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Who
would benefit from a cochlear implant?
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A cochlear implant is not suitable
for everyone. Suitability is always determined on an individual basis.
There are, however, general guidelines
to help decide who should be referred to the SCIP for assessment:
Children (0-18 years)
- a moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (or worse)
- a severe progressive hearing loss
- limited benefit from optimally-fitted conventional hearing aids
- lack of progress in basic auditory skill development
- a desire to be part of the hearing world and use audition as the primary receptive communication mode
- no medical or surgical contraindications to implant surgery
- strong family support and commitment to oral/aural development
- auditory neuropathy
Adults (18 years +)
- a moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (or worse)
- a severe, progressive hearing loss
- limited benefit from optimally-fitted conventional hearing aids
- no medical or surgical contraindications to implant surgery
- a strong desire to be part of the hearing world and use audition as the primary mode of communication
Detailed Selection Criteria for professionals are available from the SCIP Adult or Paediatric Programmes