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Children as young as 12 months old, with profound hearing loss, are benefiting from cochlear implant surgery.

Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program - Candidacy

The criteria for cochlear implant candidacy are constantly changing as a result of new technology and research outcomes. Current cochlear implant candidacy criteria for children are as follows:

  • Age 12 months or older
  • Bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (thresholds of 90 dB or greater) for children under age 18 months.
  • Bilateral severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss for children age 18 months and up.
  • Limited benefit with appropriately fit hearing aids
  • Lack of progress in auditory skill development
  • No physical contraindications for placement of the implant (i.e., CT scan results)
  • Medically cleared to undergo surgery
  • Realistic expectations and commitment to follow-up appointments