COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION IN CHILDREN

Cochlear implantation in the pediatric population is no longer conside red experimental practice since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Nucleus 22 Channel cochlear implant in 1990. Today, coch lear implantation is a viable option for selected children with profou nd hearing loss to achieve potential language development. Not every c hild is a candidate, however, nor can implantation rectify the underly ing cause of deafness or restore normal hearing function. For successf ul outcomes in proper candidates, rigorous pre-surgical evaluation and screening followed by long-term rehabilitation and education are nece ssary for both child and family. The close collaboration of an interdi sciplinary team is essential throughout the process.