Learning to listen with a Cochlear Implant

How do I get one?

In order to get a cochlear implant you or your child will need to be referred to the Implant Centre by your family doctor, ENT doctor or Audiologist. If you have any problems obtaining a referral you may wish to contact your nearest cochlear implant centre for further advice.

Contact Info/local centres page

Referral Criteria

The referral criteria for cochlear implants are set out by each Cochlear Implant Programme and may differ slightly from centre to centre however cases are assessed on an individual basis. Below are some summary guidelines:

Acquired Hearing Loss
If you have acquired your hearing loss after you learned to speak the summary guidelines are as follows:

  • Have a severe to profound sensori-neural hearing loss in both ears
  • Receive little or no benefit from appropriate hearing aids
  • Desire to be part of the hearing world
  • Have no medical contraindications

Pre-Lingual or Congenital Hearing Loss
If you were born deaf or lost your hearing before 5 years of age the summary guidelines are as follows:

  • Under the age of 7 years
  • Have a severe to profound sensori-neural hearing loss in both ears
  • Receive little or no benefit from appropriate hearing aids
  • Are in an educational programme that supports listening and speaking for communication
  • High motivation and appropriate expectations (applies to both the child and the family) with a desire to be part of the hearing world
  • Have no medical contraindications

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Assessments

Once a referral has taken place you will be asked to attend the Cochlear Implant Centre in order for a number of assessments to take place. This will help to determine whether a cochlear implant is an option for you/your child.

Prospective User Info/Assessment Page

The evaluation process can be stopped at any time if you, your child or the cochlear implant team feel that it is not appropriate to continue.

Funding

In the UK, if a cochlear implant is found to be a suitable option for you/your child then the implant team will request funding from your local area health authority.

Most authorities fund a limited number of implants every year. There may be other adults and/or children waiting for funding for a cochlear implant from your area. Your Implant Team should be able to advise you as to how long you are likely to have to wait for surgery.

Private Funding

Occasionally it is possible to self-fund or obtain funding for a cochlear implant from private health insurance. However not all health plans will automatically cover all the services needed. For further information contact your local cochlear implant team for advice.

local implant centres/contacts

 

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