A
cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to improve
sound detection and speech understanding. Part of it is surgically
implanted behind the ear and into the cochlea. Externally,
the person wears a transmitter, a microphone and a signal processor
which are typically “hooked up” 4-6 weeks after surgery. Although
it is still not possible to predict how well an individual child
will do with a cochlear implant, the earlier a child receives
a cochlear implant the greater the likelihood s/he will obtain
optimal benefit in achieving good speech and hearing results.
Intensive auditory training and speech therapy are required
for a child to make optimal use of a cochlear implant.
Cochlear
implant surgery takes approximately 3 hours, typically requiring
no more than an overnight stay. It is covered by Medicare,
Minnesota Medical Assistance and most insurance companies.
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more information:
