A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that involves inserting tiny wires into the cochlea. It converts sound energy into electrical signals and stimulates the auditory nerve. With more and more implants being performed, parents often hear about the cochlear implant very soon after their child's hearing loss is diagnosed. Children as young as 12 months can be implanted, however not all children who have a hearing loss are candidates for this surgery. The cochlear implant is not a cure for deafness. It can, however, benefit many children by providing improved perception of sound, and thus provide help in learning to listen and talk. In order to be considered as a candidate for a cochlear implant, the child must:

• Have a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears
• Receive little or no benefit from hearing aids
• Have no medical contraindications
• Show a lack of progress in the development of auditory skill
  

To read more about the cochlear implant, click on these websites:
http://www.babyhearing.org/HearingAmplification/Cochlear/index.asp
http://www.beginningssvcs.com/assistive_technology/
cochlear_implants.htm
http://www.cici.org
http://www.cochlearimplant.com
http://www.cochlear.com

To determine whether or not a child is a candidate for a cochlear implant, a detailed assessment is performed. The evaluation process is extensive, and can take several months to complete. Tests normally included in this assessment are:

• Hearing tests
• Speech evaluation
• Educational assessment
• Medical assessments
• Psychological assessment

The decision whether or not to have a child implanted is a difficult one for most parents. It can be very helpful for parents trying to make this decision to talk to others who have already been through this process. Often parents whose children have already received a cochlear implant are very willing to talk to parents trying to make this decision. When asked, the professionals working with you are often willing to put you in touch with other parents. In addition, there are several organizations and parent discussion groups on the Internet that may be very helpful. Some of these organizations and discussion groups or listserves include:

CI Family - This is a mailing list for hard of hearing individuals, deaf people or families that have a child or friend who qualifies for a cochlear implant and wants to hear about the experiences of people who already have one. Post message: CIFAMILY@egroups.com. Subscribe: CIFAMILY-subscribe@egroups.com. Unsubscribe: CIFAMILY-unsubscribe@egroups.com. List owner: CIFAMILY-owner@egroups.com.

CI Circle - This is for parents of children with cochlear implants and for parents who are considering cochlear implants for their children. To subscribe: majordomo@mysql.maxbaud.net. For the regular version type subscribe cicircle@ysql.maxbaud.net in the body of the message. For the digest version subscribe cicircle-digest@mysql.maxbaud.net.

ci - The ci mail list is for anyone interested in cochlear implants. Whether you have a cochlear implant, or are considering getting one, or are just curious about what they are, all are welcome here. Post message: ci@egroups.com Subscribe: ci-subscribe@egroups.com. Unsubscribe: ci-unsubscribe@egroups.com. List owner: ci-owner@egroups.com.

Listen-Up - The Listen-up Listserve was created to support the informational and emotional needs of parents of hard of hearing and deaf children. All methods of communication are supported. Post message: Listen-Up@egroups.com. Subscribe: Listen-Up-subscribe@egroups.com. Unsubscribe: Listen-Up-unsubscribe@egroups.com. List owner: Listen-Up-owner@egroups.com. URL to this page: http://www.egroups.com/group/Listen-Up.