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Cochlear implants in young children
H Alexander Arts1, Ashley Garber, Teresa A Zwolan
1Cochlear Implant Program, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0312, USA. aarts@umich.edu
Insights
Cochlear implants are now standard for children with severe hearing loss. Optimal results require a dedicated team approach involving audiologists, speech pathologists, surgeons, and family for long-term success.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Cochlear implantation has transitioned from an experimental procedure to a standard treatment for pediatric severe to profound hearing loss over the last two decades.
- While cochlear implants offer significant benefits to all pediatric recipients, maximizing performance gains necessitates a comprehensive management strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of a multidisciplinary team in optimizing outcomes for children with cochlear implants.
- To highlight the importance of specialized expertise and long-term commitment from all involved professionals and family members.
Main Methods:
- Review of the evolution and current standard of care for pediatric cochlear implantation.
- Analysis of the essential components of a successful cochlear implant management team.
- Discussion of the impact of practitioner experience and long-term follow-up on patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- All pediatric cochlear implant recipients experience substantial hearing improvement.
- Performance is significantly enhanced through a coordinated team approach involving specialized professionals.
- Suboptimal outcomes can result from delegation to inexperienced educational programs.
Conclusions:
- A dedicated, multidisciplinary team, including audiologists, speech pathologists, surgeons, educators, and family, is crucial for maximizing the benefits of cochlear implants in children.
- Long-term involvement and specialized expertise are critical for successful pediatric cochlear implant management.
- Children with cochlear implants require consistent, expert follow-up care from professionals experienced with these devices.
Abstract:
The past 20 years have seen the cochlear implant evolve from an innovative but radical concept to the standard of care in the management of children with severe to profound hearing loss. All children receiving the cochlear implant achieve substantial benefit; however, performance gains are optimized by a team approach to the evaluation and management of these children. The critical elements of this team include audiologists, speech pathologists, and surgeons with specific interest, expertise, and dedication to the management of children with cochlear implants. Children are not well served by practitioners who delegate follow-up to educational programs not experienced in children with implants. Long-term involvement and dedication on the part of teachers, speech pathologists, audiologists, surgeons, and family are critical to maximizing the benefit the child receives.