When a child is diagnosed with a significant hearing loss, it is important that the family and care team act quickly. Early intervention, including implantation when appropriate, is important for maximizing hearing as well as speech and language development. In an older child who has experienced hearing loss, it is important to restore sound as quickly as possible to maximize their benefit from the cochlear implant. With hearing restored, they’re able to interact with their environment and learn with all their senses.

Determining Success

A successful outcome for children receiving a cochlear implant can vary based on a number of factors, including:

• Previous auditory experience
• Age at implantation
• Length of deafness
• Presence of other disabilities
• Consistent cochlear implant use
• Maintaining functioning equipment
• Regular assessment and programming by the audiologist
• Teaching approaches emphasizing auditory learning
• Appropriate rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation for Children

Rehabilitation provides the maximum potential for children who receive cochlear implants. Rehabilitation encourages learning to identify and associate meaning with unfamiliar sounds, thereby allowing spoken language skills to develop.

Learn more about cochlear implant rehabilitation.