Frequently Asked Questions and Family Resources

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that provides a sense of sound to a patient who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Adults and children who meet the FDA criteria for implantation and who are healthy enough to undergo surgery are cochlear implant candidates.

Cochlear implants have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration since 1985 for adults and 1990 for children.

No. Although a cochlear implant will provide a sense of hearing to a patient it does not "cure" hearing loss. The patient will need to learn to listen and use the electrical stimulation for communication. Speech and language will take time and experience to develop. Auditory verbal training and therapy can help patients develop the needed listening skills to get the most benefit from his or her implant.

One cochlear implant can provide the child with access to sound. Two cochlear implants will improve the ability to hear speech in noise and help with localization (knowing what direction sounds are coming from). Most children will receive one implant to start, unless there is a medical reason for obtaining two. Once the first implant is being used successfully, we will discuss implanting the second ear if appropriate.

In most cases, yes. Contact sports, however, are not recommended. Some devices are waterproof as well, but make sure you ask your audiologist if the device you have chosen may be used in the water. Deep water diving is not recommended as it may harm the implanted device.

Yes. The processor should always be removed while sleeping/at night to let the scalp rest and to charge the processor’s batteries. The processor should be stored in a dry-n-store container (this will be provided) to remove moisture.