Cochlear Implant Surgery for Children: What to Expect at Home

Your child may want to spend the first few days in bed. When your child is ready and your doctor says it is okay, your child can begin playing again. Encourage quiet indoor play for the first 3 to 5 days.

Your child will probably be able to go back to school or day care after about 1 week. Your child should not go to PE or gym class or take part in sports for about 3 to 4 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.

For about 3 to 4 weeks, do not let your child play hard. Take care that your child does not do anything that would turn them upside down, such as playing on monkey bars or doing somersaults. Also avoid bike riding, running, or other sports until your doctor says it is okay.

Your child can eat normally. If your child complains of an upset stomach, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.

Make sure that your child takes pain medicines exactly as directed.

• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medicine. Do not use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) without your doctor's okay because it may increase the chance of bleeding. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it to your child as prescribed.

• Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

If you think the pain medicine is making your child sick to their stomach:

• Give the medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).

• Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, be sure your child takes them as directed. Your child should not stop taking them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Your child may have a bandage over the incision. You can remove the bandage 2 or 3 days after surgery or when the doctor says it is okay.

After you remove the bandage, wash the area daily with warm, soapy water and pat it dry.

Keep the area clean and dry.

Do not let your child blow their nose. Tell your child not to try to stop a sneeze or a cough. Tell your child to open their mouth to sneeze or cough.

Your child has trouble breathing.

Your child has a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.

Your child has signs of infection, such as:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

• Red streaks leading from the incision.

• Pus draining from the incision.

• A fever.

Your child bleeds through the bandage.

Your child seems to be getting sicker.

Your child is not getting better as expected.