Every potential cochlear implant candidate receives an individualized evaluation from Boys Town National Research Hospital's team of specialists. The evaluation assists the candidate and his or her family in making an informed decision.

Adult Cochlear Implant Program - Making the Decision

For many adults with significant hearing loss, hearing aids may not provide adequate benefit. They may find understanding speech to be extremely difficult, even in a quiet room or within a small group. Adults with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from appropriately fit amplification may benefit from a cochlear implant. Each potential recipient has a unique background and set of circumstances that can impact his or her potential to benefit with the device. Factors that can affect benefit with an implant include duration of deafness, length of hearing aid use or other amplification, and individual motivation. Another important factor that can affect cochlear implant benefit is the age at which hearing loss was acquired. An adult who developed normal speech and language skills early in life and acquired hearing loss later in life is likely to perform better with a cochlear implant than an adult recipient who has acquired hearing loss prior to the development of speech and language. Potential recipients and their families often have varied degrees of information regarding cochlear implantation and the expected outcomes and are therefore encouraged to speak with audiologists, physicians, and/or counselors who are familiar with the cochlear implant process. Individuals interested in pursuing cochlear implantation are also encouraged to talk with other individuals who have received cochlear implants. Active participation in this process is critical to making an informed decision in regard to a cochlear implant.

There are experienced professionals and other resources available at Boys Town National Research Hospital that can provide useful information for potential candidates and their families. Our cochlear implant center can assist in addressing issues that are unique to the particular needs of the candidate or recipient. The Hospital offers a wide range of expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss in both adults and children. The Cochlear Implant Center is comprised of a team of professionals whose aim is to serve individuals with hearing impairment through all stages of life. Members of our team can also put potential candidates and their families in touch with cochlear implant recipients with similar backgrounds. For more information about cochlear implants and the candidacy process, please contact us at (402) 452-5000.