Is the cochlear implant a viable solution for all deaf people?
Several factors are taken into consideration in identifying candidates for cochlear implantation which include age, mental and physical health, audiologic assessment results, reason and duration of hearing loss, compatibility to audiologic rehabilitation, social condition etc. Prior to confirming the decision for surgery, assessments should be made to determine if the patient can be trained appropriately and the type of benefit anticipated after the operation. There are patients with hearing loss and multiple problems. Some might be mentally disabled. Such conditions must also be considered. The radiological assessment of candidates is just as important as other factors. Hence, each patient must be assessed by computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques prior to surgery. Patients who are suitable candidates for cochlear implants are deaf born children and the middle age group who have lost their sense of hearing due to genetic, auto-immune, trauma, medication use,
