pediatric hearing care

Cochlear Implant Evaluation.

Early Intervention.

Determining whether an infant is a cochlear implant candidate is crucial due to the critical period of language development within the first few years of life. The brain’s ability to acquire language skills is most receptive during this period. If a child has profound hearing loss and is a candidate for a cochlear implant, early intervention becomes paramount in providing access to sounds and speech. The earlier a cochlear implant is considered and implemented, the greater the potential for the child to develop speech and language skills on par with their hearing peers.

Early access to auditory information through a cochlear implant can significantly impact the child’s ability to comprehend speech sounds, learn spoken language, and develop communication skills crucial for social, academic, and emotional development. Early intervention with a cochlear implant can bridge the gap in hearing ability, offering the child access to sound at a critical stage in their cognitive and linguistic development, thus maximizing their potential for successful communication and integration into a hearing world.

The Evaluation Process.

An evaluation for a cochlear implant by an audiologist for a child with hearing loss is a comprehensive and detailed process. The assessment typically involves several stages. Initially, the audiologist conducts an extensive hearing evaluation to precisely determine the child’s hearing abilities, including the type and degree of hearing loss. This evaluation often includes tests to assess the child’s ability to hear speech and respond to various sounds.

Full Team Care.

Subsequently, the audiologist collaborates with other professionals, such as a speech-language pathologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, to gather additional information about the child’s candidacy for a cochlear implant. Factors considered in this evaluation may include the child’s overall health, medical history, communication skills, and the potential benefits of a cochlear implant.

With You Through Every Step.

The audiologist plays a crucial role in this process, guiding the child and their family through each step, discussing the procedure, and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. Ultimately, this evaluation aims to determine if a cochlear implant is a suitable option for the child to improve their hearing abilities and overall quality of life.