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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
Cochlear implantation in the very young child
1The Warren Otologic Group, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Cochlear implantation is now safe and successful for children under 2 years old. Early intervention with cochlear implants can significantly improve speech and language development in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Historically, cochlear implantation in children under 2 years was limited due to diagnostic and surgical concerns.
- Concerns included accurate diagnosis of profound hearing loss and surgical risks in developing anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the safety and efficacy of cochlear implantation in infants and toddlers.
- To discuss the evolving candidacy criteria and the benefits of early intervention.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies and clinical outcomes in pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
- Analysis of diagnostic reliability and surgical considerations for very young children.
Main Results:
- Recent studies demonstrate that cochlear implantation is safe and effective in children younger than 2 years.
- Successful outcomes support earlier intervention for profound hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation for children under 2 is increasingly common and successful.
- Specialized tools and protocols are necessary for this young population to optimize outcomes.
Abstract:
Children younger than 2 years of age were initially excluded from cochlear implant candidacy for a variety of reasons. Reasons ranged from concerns about the reliability of the diagnosis of a profound hearing loss in very young children, to concerns about surgical safety and long-term durability of the device in a growing child. Results from several recent studies have shown that children younger than 2 years of age can safely and successfully be implanted. Provided this success, and the general agreement that early remediation of a hearing loss provides a greater potential for speech and language development, implantation of very young children may soon become the norm rather than the exception. This article discusses the issues related to the implantation of young children and the need for special tools and protocols to use with this population.
