Cochlear Implants for Children
Contact Information
Pediatric Audiology
(608) 262-3147
Internet Resources
Cochlear implants, coupled with rehabilitation, can help young children to acquire speech, language and social skills.Receiving a cochlear implant early in a child's life provides exposure to sounds that can be helpful during the critical period when children learn speech and language skills.
A cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Hearing aids amplify sounds so they may be detected by damaged ears. Cochlear implants bypass damaged portions of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
For children with severe-to-profound hearing loss, cochlear implants can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
While the decision to use cochlear implants can be a personal one, there are many reasons why the devices can benefit children. Being able to hear sounds in their environment helps keep children safe and they can more easily mainstream with their peers. Not all children, however, are candidates for cochlear implants.
The Cochlear Implant Process
Read more about the different steps in receiving a cochlear implant:
- Criteria for Cochlear Implants in Children
- Your Pediatric Cochlear Implant Health Care Team
- Evaluation for Pediatric Cochlear Implants
- Cochlear Implant Surgery
- Post-Operative Appointment Schedule for Children
- Support Services for Children with Cochlear Implants and their Families
Photo credit: Cochlear Corp.