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Cochlear Implant Services



The Audiology Program offers evaluation for cochlear implant candidacy. These criteria are considered in determining a child’s candidacy for cochlear implant surgery and follow-up at Children’s:
  • Age range of 12 months through 16 years (Note that younger children must be able to give reliable responses on play audiometry and must be mature enough to undergo the pre-implant evaluation process)
  • A severe to profound degree of sensorineural hearing loss in both ears for children older than 18 months and bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss in children aged 12 - 18 months
  • Little or no benefit from consistent use of appropriately fitted hearing aids worn at least three - six months as shown through minimal progress in auditory development
  • Inner ear(s) which can accommodate the implant device, as determined by CT scan
  • No medical contra-indications, including active middle ear disease or ossification of cochlea, which would interfere with implant surgery or the post-implant (re)habilitation process
  • Family and/or child with good motivation and realistic expectations about the cochlear implant (i.e. in cases where there are cooperative families who have effectively participated in the habilitation of their child, have demonstrated the ability to manage hearing aids and other amplification devices and recognition of limitations that the cochlear implant may have for their child)
  • Family prepared for the time and travel costs associated with cochlear implant follow-up as well as the continuing costs of speech processor supplies and upgrades
  • Enrolment in an appropriate educational program with emphasis on development of auditory/oral skills
  • No additional conditions which could interfere with a child’s implant use and (re)habilitation (e.g. realistic expectations regarding beneficial cochlear implant use with the presence of significant emotional difficulties or conditions affecting attention span/learning)
The Cochear Implant Team offers pre-surgical assessment to determine candidacy, post surgery programming sessions and ongoing support to the rehabilitation specialists working with the child.
 
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You can download this Cochlear Implant Referral Form (PDF).