title: Cochlear implants and the deaf child: a nursing perspective.
abstract: Cochlear implants are no longer considered new or experimental technology and are available for children with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Pediatric cochlear implantation requires a multidisciplinary team approach with contributions from surgeons, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, nurses, special educators, and parents. The decision to perform cochlear implantation in children must be seriously considered. Some in the deaf community voice strong objections to the procedure. Additionally, it requires an enormous commitment on the part of the family and the health care system in both personal and financial terms. The surgery has some risks, and the rehabilitation period is lengthy. Outcomes are variable, and many factors play a role in a child's successful use of implants. Nonetheless, gradual, steady improvement in speech perception, speech production, and language typically occurs. The approach of Children's Hospital in Boston to the assessment, the surgical procedure, and follow-up is detailed here.
authors.affiliation: Perioperative Program, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Coffin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kenna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009746:Nursing, Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D018579:Patient Selection; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life