Vaccination and ear infection advice

With Cochlear Implantation there is a very small but slightly increased risk of meningitis.

All adults and children with Cochlear Implants should check with their family doctor that vaccinations have been completed.

Children

All children should be vaccinated with Prevenar 13 as follows (this is the standard routine vaccination programme that all babies receive).

For children under one year of age:

First dose of 0.5ml of Prevenar-13

Second dose of 0.5ml, two months after the first dose

A third dose of 0.5ml should be given

Children over one year of age and under five years of age not previously vaccinated:

A single dose of 0.5ml of Prevenar is indicated

All children over two years old, should also be vaccinated with a single dose of 0.5m of PPV (Pneumovax). If they have not previously received Prevenar 13 they should have this first.

Adults

All adults should be vaccinated with a single dose of 0.5m of PPV (Pneumovax).

Ear infections

What to do if a person / child with a Cochlear Implant has an ear infection on the implanted side

If you or your child has an ear infection on the implanted side you can contact us for advice.

Depending on the symptoms, we will arrange an appointment or call/email from a member of our medical team or advise you to see your GP.

If you can't travel to the John Radcliffe Hospital or get in contact with us, you should contact your GP.

If there is an ear infection, then treatment with antibiotics and/or topical ear drops is advised.

Please let us know if your GP prescribes antibiotics.

If you have seen the GP and the infection hasn't settled within 24 hours, or you are concerned, please contact us.

If there is swelling and/or pain behind the ear or over the implant magnet then it is very important that you contact us.

Email: auditoryimplantprogramme@ouh.nhs.uk

Tel: 01865 234881