Cochlear Implant Evaluation Process

What is the process to find out if a cochlear implant may be the right choice for my child?

1. Once the Cochlear Implant Team has received a referral for your child, the team coordinator will contact you and send you an information package. If you are interested, a family meeting with the team coordinator will be arranged.
2. At the meeting with the team coordinator you will be provided with information about cochlear implants. The coordinator will also explain the assessment process and answer any questions you may have.
3. Following this, if you wish to proceed, several appointments will be booked with different members of the interdisciplinary team to help determine if a cochlear implant is an option for your child.

The Candidacy Assessment includes:

• Audiology review to measure the child’s hearing levels, and evaluate hearing aid benefit
• A review of the early intervention services that the child has received, and how the child has progressed
• Medical review to ensure that the child does not have any medical conditions that might prevent the use of an implant.
• Vaccination evaluation
• Social work appointment
• A CT and MRI scan of the inner ear (similar to x-rays) to ensure the inner ear is suitable for insertion of the electrode array
• Families can expect a minimum of 6 appointments for the evaluation process.
• For out of town families we try to coordinate appointments so that there is less travel.
• Once these assessments are complete, the Cochlear Implant team will discuss the results, and determine whether a cochlear implant is recommended. If your child is a candidate for implantation, your family can then decide whether to go ahead.