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
- 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
Current cochlear implant candidacy criteria for adults
- Bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss (thresholds of 70 dB HL or greater)
- Limited benefit with appropriately fit hearing aids
- 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
I think I might be a candidate. What do I do next?
- For adult candidates, print and complete the adult questionnaire and the release of information.
- For pediatric candidates, print and complete the pediatric questionnaire, the school questionnaire, and the release of information.
Please mail or fax completed forms to:
Mary Patterson
Boys Town National Research Hospital
Lied Learning and Technology Center
425 North 30th Street
Omaha, NE 68131
Fax: 402-452-5028
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