Cochlear implantation in children.
Cochlear implantation in the pediatric population is no longer considered experimental practice since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Nucleus 22 Channel cochlear implant in 1990. Today, cochlear implantation is a viable option for selected children with profound hearing loss to achieve potential language development. Not every child is a candidate, however, nor can implantation rectify the underlying cause of deafness or restore normal hearing function. For successful outcomes in proper candidates, rigorous pre-surgical evaluation and screening followed by long-term rehabilitation and education are necessary for both child and family. The close collaboration of an interdisciplinary team is essential throughout the process.
Bray
M A
MA
Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Disorders, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Neault
M W
MW
Kenna
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000451:nursing; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000451:nursing; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000451:nursing