SELECTION CRITERIA FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS IN CHILDREN

Objective: To determine the selection criteria for cochlear implantati on in children. Setting: Hospital pediatric implant center. Patients a nd Interventions: Selection of patients depends on medical evaluation, audiometric data, speech discrimination, communication skills, cognit ive skills, and psychosocial factors. Patient selection is based on to nal audiometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and e lectrophysiologic tests. Side of implantation is chosen according to c ochlear structure, duration of deafness, and dominant handedness. Resu lts: Ninety-eight cochlear implantations with the Nucleus multichannel implant have been performed at this center since 1990. Conclusion: Th e selection of children for cochlear implantation require close collab oration between the pediatric surgical team, the educational team, and the family.