How Do You Decide If A Cochlear Implant Is Right For A Child?
The cochlear implant, which was first approved by the FDA in the 1980s, can enable people with hearing impairments to discern sounds well enough to understand speech. Since the cochlear implant is more effective when implanted at a young age, parents frequently have to make the decision for their minor child. If you are trying to make this decision for your child, here are a few things to consider. Form a team of professionals who can assist you in making the decision regarding the appropriateness of the cochlear implant for your child. Professionals that should be on your team, include: Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor (ENT), psychologist, counselor, audiologist, pediatrician and speech and language pathologist. Ask your ENT to complete a thorough evaluation of the ear. This should include a computerized tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The ENT should also consult with your child’s pediatrician regarding the safety of anesthesia. Have the audiologist conduct a hea
