The professionals at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Cochlear Implant Center are dedicated to helping each individual achieve the best hearing possible, whether through hearing aids, a cochlear implant and/or auditory training programs. We carefully evaluate each person, taking many factors into consideration including the cause of their hearing loss, their hearing ability, their communication skills, their educational needs, their developmental status and their goals. The individual and/or family is counseled, advised and assisted through each step of the process. 
 
An individual’s appropriateness for a cochlear implant is determined via an evaluation process that includes meeting with at lease four of the professionals on the cochlear implant team.
   
Audiological Evaluation:

The first step in the process is to arrange for an initial consultation with a cochlear implant audiologist. Individuals undergo hearing tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. The tests include basic headphone and bone conduction testing, testing with hearing aids and repetition of words and sentences. If the tests indicate the individual is audiologically a candidate for a cochlear implant, then a return visit is scheduled to discuss cochlear implants in detail. In addition, appointments will be made for an interview with the cochlear implant surgeon, health psychologist, behavioral pediatrician (pediatrics only), and speech language pathologist. Radiological evaluations, which may include CT scans, MRI scans or both are also completed.

Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Consultation:

The cochlear implant surgeon will discuss the surgical procedure with you, review your/your child’s medical history, and discuss the risks of cochlear implant surgery with you.

Health Psychology Evaluation:

In the case of adults, the health psychologist will evaluate your emotional stability, motivation for wanting a cochlear implant, coping skills, expectations, understanding of the implantation process and its risks, and your support structure at home.

Children are evaluated by a child psychologist and a behavioral pediatrician to determine their cognitive abilities and developmental status. Support and motivation from the family is also evaluated.

Speech Language Evaluation:

Children will have their current level of speech and language assessed by the speech language pathologist.

Radiological Evaluation:

CT scans are conducted to determine if any cochlear abnormalities are present and to provide a “road map” for surgery. The ENT surgeon may also recommend an MRI scan.

Referrals to other professionals may be made as deemed necessary (i.e. genetic counseling, ophthalmology, neuropsychology, etc). Input from the child’s school is also an integral part of the evaluation procedure.

From the results of these evaluations, the cochlear implant team makes a final determination regarding candidacy.