Profound hearing loss - Hearing Disorders Message Board

kymomlee · 06-26-2003, 07:50 PM

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

zip2play · 06-30-2003, 05:55 AM

Here's a blurb that might shed some light:

Quote:

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.

goatgruff · 07-02-2003, 04:04 PM

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!

goatgruff · 07-02-2003, 04:13 PM

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.