|
Cochlear
Implants
Pre-Implant
Evaluations
download the pdf
 As
part of the cochlear implant process, a pre-implant evaluation
is necessary to determine if a child is a candidate for
a cochlear implant. The pre-implant evaluation process may
include the following:
Cochlear Implant Orientation:
The purpose of this is to orient a child and his or her
family to the cochlear implant and the cochlear implantation
process. Topics generally discussed with a family may include:
Audiological Evaluation:
As part of the pre-implant evaluation, an audiologist will
measure the child's hearing levels. Testing will also be
completed to see if amplification with high-powered hearing
aids can provide enough auditory information.
Medical Evaluation:
An ear surgeon determines if a child can safely undergo
general anesthesia and reviews x-rays to ensure that the
cochleas are suitable for insertion of the electrode array.
The physician will also look for any other medical conditions
that would prevent the use of an implant.
Expectations Discussion:
 The
purpose for discussing expectations is to determine if a
family has a good understanding of the benefits and limitations
of a cochlear implant device. The following topics may be
discussed with a child and/or family:
- What factors led to an interest
in cochlear implants
— How have the child and family adjusted emotionally
to the hearing loss?
— Are there socialization issues that are of concern?
— How is school performance (if appropriate)?
- What are the family's expectations
for the child's performance with the cochlear implant?
—Are expectations realistic?
—Has the family talked with other implant users?
- How supportive are the immediate
and extended family members to the idea of an implant?
- How committed will the family be
to follow-up therapy?
- What does the family know about
the Deaf Culture's view regarding cochlear implants?
- What information is needed about
assistive devices in addition to the cochlear implant?
- What information is needed about
support groups and individual counseling?
Vestibular Evaluation:
Vestibular testing may be requested to determine the health
of a child's balance system.
Psychosocial Evaluation:
A psychosocial assessment looks at other factors that can
influence adjustment to or benefit from a cochlear implant.
It addresses questions about reasonable expectations and
ensures that a child and/or family are highly motivated
and willing to participate in an extended rehabilitation
program. In addition, this type of assessment can examine
the potential candidate's cognitive abilities to rule out
factors other than hearing loss, which may account for poor
auditory and speech-language development.
Cultural Viewpoint:
For more information on varying cultural views of cochlear
implantation, please visit the following websites:
National Association of the Deaf
- www.nad.org
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center - http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu
Alexander Graham Bell Association - www.agbell.org
 
|
