Who can benefit from a cochlear implant?

Cochlear implant candidacy is determined by a series of tests and interviews with an audiologist who specializes in implantation. Candidates must also meet certain medical criteria. These are discussed with the implant surgeon during the intitial evaluation process. There are many variables that must be considered when deciding if a cochlear implant is right for you. The criteria for adults and children are slightly different as are the evaluation processes for these two groups.

For adults the basic guidelines are: moderate-severe to profound hearing loss lack of benefit from hearing aids despite consistent wear moitvation to complete surgical and post-implantation rehabiliation requirements - appointments and therapy realistic expectations

For children the basic guidelines are: severe to profound hearing loss lack of measureable benefit from hearing aids despite consistent wear - must complete a 6 month trial period of amplification moitvation to complete surgical and post-implantation rehabiliation requirements - appointments and therapy desire to pursue an auditory oral educational approach preferred but not required