Related Experiment Videos
The Paediatric Cochlear Implant Program at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
R V Harrison1, J Nedzelski, N Picton
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario.
Insights
Ontario
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric audiology
- Medical device technology
Background:
- Ontario offers a province-wide cochlear implant program.
- The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is a designated center for pediatric cases.
- The program has been active since 1989.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pediatric cochlear implant program in Ontario.
- To outline candidate selection, follow-up protocols, and healthcare professional roles.
- To present demographic data and discuss candidacy issues.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of the provincial cochlear implant program.
- Review of patient selection criteria and follow-up procedures.
- Demographic survey of implanted pediatric patients.
Main Results:
- As of May 1996, 37 children received cochlear implants through the program.
- The program serves Ontario residents, including those implanted outside the province.
- Detailed program processes and patient demographics are presented.
Conclusions:
- The Ontario pediatric cochlear implant program provides comprehensive services.
- Understanding candidacy and program specifics is crucial for patient care.
- The program has served a significant number of children since its inception.
Abstract:
Ontario has a province-wide program for provision of cochlear implants. Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is one of three designated centres that service the paediatric population. This cochlear implant program was established in 1989. Since that time, 37 children (as of May 1996) have been provided with cochlear implants. The program also services Ontario residents who were implanted elsewhere. In the following, we provide a detailed description of the program, including the processes through which children are selected as candidates, the follow-up studies that we carry out, and the roles of various health care professionals involved. We present a demographic survey of our patient population to date, and discuss some of the important issues relating to candidacy.