Cochlear Implants in Infants and Young Children

Abstract

Experience in over 3,000 children has proven that cochlear implants provide significant auditory benefit, even to the congenially deaf. Cochlear implant surgery is safe, with the pediatric complication rate being no greater than the adult complication rate. Even children younger than age two have obtained significant benefit from these devices. The ideal goals of cochlear implants in children are to allow them to hear sufficiently well that they can learn to speak intelligibly, develop oral language, attend regular schools, read at age-appropriate levels, and function effectively in the mainstream hearing community. Many implanted children are realizing these goals.

Key Words:

Cochlear implants - children - deafness