Cochlear implants: Adult and pediatric cochlear implants

Not everyone with hearing loss is a candidate for cochlear implants. Adults must meet certain criteria for a cochlear implant. You might qualify if you:

• Are 18 years or older

• Are committed to attending regular programming visits and aural rehabilitation sessions 

• Are motivated to incorporate listening in daily communication

• Do not benefit from a hearing aid or other prosthetic communication device 

• Do not have a medical condition that puts you at high risk for surgery

• Have moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss 

• Have no medical contraindications

The first step is to meet with your hearing care team for an evaluation. During this appointment you:

• Complete a questionnaire about your expectations, auditory awareness and attitudes

• Complete testing to evaluate your hearing and current hearing aid(s)

• Meet with an audiologist and a surgeon

• Review your medical history with your doctor

• Talk with your doctor about the cochlear implant process

• Undergo a physical examination

Children and families must also meet certain criteria for cochlear implants. Your child could be a good candidate for surgery if they:

• Are 12 months of age or older

• Are enrolled in an educational program that emphasizes auditory and verbal skills development 

• Do not benefit from a hearing aid or prosthetic devices 

• Do not have a medical condition that makes surgery high risk

• Have no medical contraindications

• Have severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears

In addition, you and your family must:

• Commit to attending regular programming visits and aural (re)habilitation sessions

• Demonstrate a clear motivation to function within a general community that depends on spoken communication

You and your child will meet with the hearing care team for an evaluation. There are several steps to determine if a cochlear implant is right for your child. Your child will undergo:

• Audiological evaluation, including hearing exam, speech perception test and hearing aid testing

• Medical evaluation to including a physical exam and imaging 

• Speech and language evaluation

• Psychological and social work visits