Today my baby was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, in 2 weeks we get fitted for hearing aids, Question is what makes you eligible for cochlear implants?
I sent for info but don't know eligiblity standards
Thanks ahead of time

Here's a blurb that might shed some light:
In the past the only persons eligible for cochlear implants were adults with
profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears but, due to new research, the
qualifications for cochlear implants have changed. Now children from 2 years old to 17
years old can qualify for implants. Both adults and children will not be candidates if they
can function with the use of hearing aids, it is only when the hearing aid fails is the
individual approved. Children must have parents who are willing to bring them to
rehabilitation and provide the best environment for the child. Children must be able to
undergo whatever testing is required and be able to wear an earpiece. In adults English
must be the primary language and the ear to be implanted must have evidence of
postlingual deafness.

I've been through all this, too, with my son when he was 2(he's 6 now). Just go online and look for information on Coclear implants. You will find good and bad and all sorts of things relating to children. The cut off age used to be around 5 years old because they thought after that age your ability to "learn" to hear isn't as strong. But there are many debates on that topic as well. Search for everything. Type in the name coclear implants on a search engine and lots of topics will come up, even some people having personal websites as to their journey through this from the first appointment, the surgery, recovery and now. We decided against the implants for numerous reasons but my advice to you is to read it all and then make your decision. And never let anyone question why you made your choice. You have to trust you made the right decision. If you choose against it then you should make sure you have really made that decision for your child and not for yourself. If you choose for it then you need to know all things that go with that choice. Either way, I wish you and your precious baby the best!

One more thing.....
In my experience of doctors, audiologists, etc., Some of them say that if a hearing aid works for a person then they aren't a candidate for coclear implants. But, some say that if the hearing aids do work then that does make you a candidate because it shows that you are/can use the hearing you have and it is believed that will determine how fast and how much better the implants work for you.

Even we are goin through same quandary as to fit my 8 months old nephew with cochlear implants.He is undergoing tests for hearing aids.
Originally posted by goatgruff:
We decided against the implants for numerous reasons
Goatgruff could you tell reasons(if its not too personal) why you did't go for cochlears?

Since he is only 8 weeks old he isn't a candidate for cochlear implants yet. They want to see now he does with hearing aids, but they are sending him to an ENT to start the process of getting cochlear implants. I thought you couldn't get them until 12months
Thanks for the info everyone

My two granddaughters' have implants.
They have Waardenberg Sydrome.
They are 3 years and 18 months.
Both were born deaf.
If you would like to talk to my daughter-in-law,she would be glad to answer any questions you have.
Just let me know.
This is the first time I have posted but seeing your email I wanted you to know that there is some one you can talk to about this.
My son and daughter-in-law were so lost when it happened to them.
Please let me know and I will put you in touch.
God Bless..
Just to let you know, I had my oldest granddaughter just call me on the phone to tell me she loves me!


[This message has been edited by ladybug171 (edited 07-06-2003).]

Hi Kymommy. First of all, have your baby's hearing extensively tested. I know of kids who tested as profound on an ABR but in soundbooth, they test as HOH. I also have heard that ABRs aren't really a great dx tool. I have heard of so many times that they indicated that someone had less hearing then they actually did. I actually know of someone who tested as deaf on an ABR but their hearing was FINE!
Second of all, I have a moderatly severe loss myself so I have been there and done that when it comes to having a hearing loss in a hearing world.
My best advice is to talk to deaf and hoh adults. Follow their advice....Don't make the mistake of thinking that it's an either or choice when it comes to commuication. I know far far far far too many deaf and hoh adults who regret that they didn't get to learn ASL as a child. I know too many deaf/hoh folks who had to ask their parents "Why didn't you choose" ASL? Most of us are VERY glad that we can function somewhat in the hearing world, but being oral isn't easy. Pursue both oralism and ASL...give your child the best of both worlds...there are wonderful things about both the deaf and hearing worlds, and deaf and hoh kids should get to be a part of both worlds! Does that make any sense?
Sorry for stepping up on my soapbox but this is an issue that I feel very passionate about. I pray that someday no deaf/hoh kids will ever have to suffer going through what I did as an oral deaf child.

almost forgot.....they've loosened the restrictions a bit on who can qualify for a CI. .I seem to recall off the top of my head that kids have to have 20% or less comprehension with hearing aids. With adults and adolescents, it's 40% comprehension with hearing aids.
If the hearing aids bring their hearing up to a HOH level,(mild-moderate) then they are ineligable for a CI.

We have already started learning ALS. Early intervention is looking for a class for myself and my husband and MY daughter is going to learn from us. I want my son to have every opportunity and I appreciate everyones ideas. I have never had to face a challenge like this so any input is helpful. Even as A [removed] I don't encounter many people with profound hearing loss, just lots of HOH. I think in my profession, learning ASL would be a wonderful addition to my skills. I just wonder how i am going to teach my son. That is my biggest worry. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/eek.gif
Thanks

want my son to have every opportunity and I appreciate everyones ideas. I have never had to face a challenge likethis so any input is helpful. Even as A nurse, I don't encounter many people with profound hearing loss, just lots of HOH. I think in my profession, learning ASL would be a wonderful addition to my skills. I just wonder how i am going to teach my son. That is my biggest worry. WOOHOO!!!!!!
I commend you for taking the initive to learn ASL. Most hearing parents of Signing Deaf kids don't sign.
There are quite a few resources out there for learning Sign if you look. See where the nearest Deaf school is, or maybe you could ask around to try to find the nearest Deaf community. Maybe if there's one near you, you could hire a deaf nanny/babysitter for your son. In some states, there are now Deaf mentor programs for hearing families with deaf children. See if there is a deaf/hoh social services agency where you could find some help. Check out your local branch of NAD (National Assocaition of the Deaf) In my state they have a program where members of NAD, come into the home to teach the family ASL. I hope this helps you....
Oh, and BTW just as an aside...Despite what you may think or what you may be told by "experts" learning ASL does not inhibit learning spoken language. As long as your son is also enrolled in speech therapy, to learn how to talk, he should be able to become fluent in two languages!

Thanks for all the encouragement. Next week we have a meeting with early intervention a speech therapist is supposed to come. I definitely want my son to be verbal as well, but I think ALS will have advantages too. I just wonder how well a 10 week old will do with hearing aids. He is already rolling over I guess I will see at the end of the week.
thanks

Just found this second post by you. You can check this out yourself but just as hearing babies begin to bable at 6 months, hearing impaired babies can begin to sign at 6 months. Never underestimate what your baby is learning at any second on any day..! I met a family whose baby was signing at 6 months by the way. So I saw this in real life ok?

Hi All,

Even my baby was found profound hearing loss and did the Audiotory brain stem test and there was not sign of signal it receiving from the sound. We are in the process of going some more test to know where the problem is. Actually my baby passed new born hearing screen test and we noticed that he is not hearing some time when he was 7 months old and did the ABR test recenlty.

If my son pass the otoaccoustic test the audioloist said that his cochlear is good and good candidate for the cochlear impants.

Can some one can give me what are the reuqired test need to know where is the actual problem in the ear? and also can some one tell me if ear drum damaged will sound travel to cochlear and trigger the audiotory nerves?

Please reply

Thanks,
Nambig
email: [removed]

Hi kymomlee,

Is that your baby did hear any thing when they did a test for louder sounds?

My baby si also not hearing any thing he is 16 months old but when he was born he was hearing but due to some medication for his heart audioloist saying that he would lost hearing becasue of the side effects. They said since my baby is not hearing any thing(profound hearing loss) even the hearing aid will not going to help but they wanted to try and in the mean time they wanted to test him whether he is a suitable candidate for the cochlear implant.

Please let me know did your baby heared any thing when they test him/her. Notmally the profound hearing loss means above 105 db sound if baby cannot hear.

Awating for your reply.

Thanks,
Nambig