Adult Candidates

Adults who wish to be considered for cochlear implant must have had at least partial hearing in the past and have the capabilities for intelligible speech. At a minimum, the individual should demonstrate a severe hearing loss (70 dB or worse) in both ears and a history of hearing aid use.

Adult candidates should also demonstrate:

• Little to no benefit from hearing aids (as demonstrated on tests of speech perception)
• No physical limitations preventing placement of the electrodes or the receiver
• Ability to undergo three hours of anesthesia.
• High motivation and appropriate expectations
• Support from family and friends
• Desire to be part of the hearing community

Pediatric Candidacy Requirements

At a minimum, a child should have a severe-to-profound hearing loss (80 dB or worse) in both ears and a history of at least six months of hearing aid use.

Pediatric candidates should also demonstrate

• Minimal hearing aid benefit and the inability to demonstrate continued progress with hearing aids
• Enrollment in an educational program that stresses auditory/oral communication
• No physical limitations preventing placement of the electrodes or receiver
• Ability to undergo three hours of anesthesia
• Realistic expectations on the part of the family/child
• Ability to undergo rigorous aural (hearing) rehabilitation