Audiology

Treatment

Criteria for Getting Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are FDA approved for use in adults and children as young as 12 months of age. The procedure has been performed in thousands of people, most with a good degree of success. Keep in mind, however, that you have to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for the procedure.

Health professionals weigh a number of different factors when determining whether or not cochlear implants are right for a particular patient. An evaluation to determine your eligibility may include:

Medical Evaluation—A physical exam of the ear to check for infection or any abnormality that would prevent surgery
Hearing Test—Determines your ability to hear with and without a hearing aid or aids
CT Scan—Examines the anatomy of the inner ear
Psychological Tests—Done to evaluate the motivation and expectations for the cochlear implant

Specific Criteria for Adults

The procedure is generally recommended for adults who:

Have severe or profound bilateral hearing loss
Receive limited or no benefit from hearing aids
Have sufficient motivation to re-learn how to hear
Have realistic expectations
Are healthy enough to undergo surgery

Specific Criteria for Children

The procedure is generally recommended for children who:

Have severe to profound bilateral hearing loss
Receive limited or no benefit from hearing aids
Have a family that is committed to helping the child learn how to hear
Have realistic expectations
Are healthy enough to have surgery

Learn More

Resources

For more information about cochlear implants, visit the following Web sites: