How to Decide if a Cochlear Implant is Right for a Child

The cochlear implant, which was first approved by the FDA in the 1980s, can enable people with hearing impairments to discern sounds well enough to understand speech. Since the cochlear implant is more effective when implanted at a young age, parents frequently have to make the decision for their minor child. If you are trying to make this decision for your child, here are a few things to consider.

Instructions

• 1

  Form a team of professionals who can assist you in making the decision regarding the appropriateness of the cochlear implant for your child. Professionals that should be on your team, include: Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT), psychologist, counselor, audiologist, pediatrician and speech and language pathologist.

• 2

  Ask your ENT to complete a thorough evaluation of the ear. This should include a computerized tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ENT should also consult with your child's pediatrician regarding the safety of anesthesia.

• 3

  Have the audiologist conduct a hearing exam to determine the need for a cochlear implant. If there is a chance that a hearing aid may benefit your child, then that is the appropriate first step.

• 4

  Talk to the team about how effective a cochlear implant will be given the length of time your child has been hearing impaired. Cochlear implants work better in people who have been hearing impaired for a short time.

• 5

  Discuss your child's age with the team. Younger children tend to have more success with cochlear implants than older children.

• 6

  Ask the psychologist to conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if your child is intellectually and socially capable of adjusting to a cochlear implant.

• 7

  Determine your family's commitment regarding continued therapy for the cochlear implant. Your child will need speech therapy and audiological evaluations. He may also need auditory training.