The Adult Cochlear Implant Team evaluates each patient carefully both physically and emotionally to optimize a positive result. A battery of medical and audiological tests are performed to determine if an individual is an appropriate candidate. Each patient will have the following:A physical examination to evaluate the patient's overall health
An ear examination to determine the cause of the hearing loss and the absence of any active disease
An audiological evaluation to determine the extent of the hearing loss and how much benefit is currently being derived from hearing aid use
A Promontory Stimulation Test to determine whether the nerves can be stimulated when there is no measurable hearing at either ear
Computed Tomography (a CT scan) of the head to determine the structure of the inner ears
A Vestibular/Balance test to determine the risk of postoperative dizziness
An Otoacoustic Emission Test to determine whether remaining hair cells in the cochlea respond to sound
Speech, Speechreading (lipreading) and Communication Skills Tests to determine the level of these abilities before surgery. After surgery, during the course of post operative training, the tests are again administered to measure and monitor the course of improvement in skills.
A Psychological Evaluation to determine, among other things, the patient's understanding of the benefits and limitations of a cochlear implant
An important part of our evaluation and expectation counseling process is to have a patient who is an appropriate candidate meet with two or more of our cochlear implant patients, and often their spouses as well.
If possible, we try to introduce potential patients to users who have similar histories in terms of extent and duration of hearing loss and hearing aid use. Candidates are encouraged to arrange meetings on their own or at our offices.