Please Read Before Surgery

This information is to help you care for your ear before and after surgery and to answer many of the commonly asked questions.

DAY OF SURGERY

- Please do not take any valuables to the hospital. This includes jewelry and handbags.
- Please do not apply makeup prior to surgery.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before surgery, including water.
- If you put your hair up, please have it come off the top of your head.
- All work or school notes need to be requested prior to surgery (please see the document in the portal).
- Please ensure you have access to the portal (azhear.ema.md) and you have selected your pharmacy in the portal. Any prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy you have selected in the portal.

DRESSING
Please remove the dressing the morning following surgery. Cut the dressing in the region above the eye where the dressing comes together.

You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Please do not scrub the area directly; water may run over the region. Pat the area dry with a towel.

PAIN
Mild, intermittent ear pain is not unusual during the first two weeks. You may anticipate a certain amount of pulsation, throbbing, and discomfort in the region. Please take ibuprofen as directed every four hours while awake for at least the first 48–72 hours after surgery. Please inform the office via the portal (azhear.ema.md) if you are allergic to any medications.

NUMBNESS
The nerve that supplies sensation to the ear comes from the back of the skull and crosses across the typical location for OSIA. The ear and surrounding scalp may be numb. The numb area will decrease in size until it resolves over several months.

DEVICE
You will be given the processor and the other components of the OSIA system on the day of your surgery. Take it home and store it in a safe place, Bring the processor and other components to your 6-week post-operative appointment. The sound processor will not be fitted sooner than 6 weeks after surgery. Prior to having the sound processor fitted, the site needs to be examined by the medical team and clearance must be given.

POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT
The first post-operative visit is usually scheduled 1-2 weeks following surgery. You will find your future appointments on the Patient Portal at azhear.ema.md. You will automatically be notified of your appointments. The Arizona Hearing Center wants all your questions to be answered. Please send your questions via the portal at azhear.ema.md. You can contact the office via text at 602-307-9919.