What happens if a child is referred to the cochlear implant programme?
The Cochlear Implant Programme at Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust accepts referrals for children with congenital or acquired losses which are within the severe/profound categories. We accept referrals from birth to 15 years of age. • The audiological criteria is based on the child’s aided hearing levels when using appropriately fitted high powered hearing aids. Referrals will be welcomed for children where the average of their aided hearing levels at 2 and 4 kHz is 55 dBA or greater. • Duration of deafness is an important factor:- Congenital: Worldwide results show that in general the best outcomes are obtained from children implanted under 5 years of age. Occasionally older children may be suitable. Acquired : The best outcomes are obtained from children who are implanted at three years or less following onset of deafness. Immediate referral of post-meningitic children is essential. The very best results are obtained where children are implanted as soon as possible following me
