Thank you for your interest in the Akron Children’s Cochlear Implant Program. A cochlear implant is designed for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears that receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. Cochlear implantation requires a team approach that includes surgery followed by multiple visits for programming the cochlear implant system and aural rehabilitation therapy using auditory verbal techniques. For our children to be successful, we have a team based program that will continue to work with our children well into their school years. At the initial visits, our patients undergo a series of evaluations to determine if a cochlear implant is an appropriate treatment for their hearing loss. The evaluation process is extensive and involves multidisciplinary assessments by a team including a cochlear implant surgeon (Otolaryngologist/ENT), audiologist and speech language pathologist. Depending on the needs of our children, other specialists may be involved. A copy of your medical history, hearing test results (audiogram) and immunization records are beneficial for a complete assessment by the team. The evaluation may be conducted over a one or two day period. It is very important that you bring your hearing aids and earmolds to the evaluation. Once all the testing is complete, a decision regarding your candidacy for cochlear implantation will be decided by the implant team members. As a premier cochlear implant center, we have ongoing research to expand knowledge in the field of pediatric hearing loss. You may be asked to consider participation in a research project. Please note that your participation is voluntary and has no impact upon your candidacy evaluation.
The mission of the American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance is to advance access to the gift of hearing provided by cochlear implantation through research, advocacy and awareness.
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