*Currently, we do not fit pediatric cochlear implant patients.
Cochlear implants are recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who cannot be helped by hearing aids. These implants are not appropriate for everybody. You must meet certain guidelines to be declared a cochlear implant candidate.
Who Is a Candidate for Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implant candidacy has expanded significantly since the devices were first introduced in 1985. Initially, patients were required to have bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and no aided speech recognition abilities.
As technology has improved and our understanding of how the brain processes sound changes, there has been more leeway in the candidacy guidelines. Today, patients with lesser degrees of hearing loss and higher speech recognition scores may be eligible for cochlear implants. In addition, the age requirement for pediatric patients has been lowered to 12 months.
How Are Cochlear Implant Candidates Selected?
In order to determine whether you are a candidate for cochlear implants, you’ll have to meet a specified list of criteria. You should have severe hearing loss or profound deafness, and receive no improvement from hearing aids.
A thorough examination by an otolaryngologist is required, and may include a CT scan or MRI to ensure you will benefit from cochlear implants. Hearing Resource Center will refer you to an otolaryngologist via our partnership with VCU/UVA should you meet audiological candidacy criteria You’ll be given a series of hearing and psychological tests, and will undergo counseling to make sure you have reasonable expectations for your post-surgery results. Criteria may vary for children, who will need to enroll in classes that teach them how to process sound.
Call Hearing Resource Center at (540) 371-1263 for more information or to schedule an appointment.