Audiological and medical considerations for children with cochlear implants

Recent advancements in technology have resulted in the development of implantable devices--cochlear implants--designed to maximize the sensation of hearing in the hearing-impaired population. For children who meet the numerous preselection criteria, the cochlear implant can be effective and beneficial. The implants must be inserted surgically, which involves placing an electrode array in the cochlea and attaching the receiver/stimulator to the skull. The child can usually be discharged from the hospital by the third postoperative day. The external device is fitted and initially stimulated about four to six weeks after surgery. During initial stimulation, all 22 electrodes are individually adjusted, or mapped. The electrodes are readjusted and remapped at frequent intervals during the initial months following stimulation. These follow-up visits also allow the audiologist to evaluate the child's progress in the home and educational environments.