There are various factors that need to be taken into consideration prior to cochlear implantation. Patients who may be candidates for cochlear implantation would have to meet with the audiologist and ENT(Hearing implant) Surgeon and the team would decide the best option for the candidate. The following investigations are performed:
1. Complete audiological ( Pure tone audiometry , BERA , Impedance Audiometry ) and speech therapist assessment and trial with hearing aids. We need to know the severity of the hearing loss, level of speech and language and the degree of benefit one gets with any current hearing aids. We may often ask for input from other professionals such as developmental paediatrics, neurology, psychology etc.
1. Complete audiological ( Pure tone audiometry , BERA , Impedance Audiometry ) and speech therapist assessment and trial with hearing aids. We need to know the severity of the hearing loss, level of speech and language and the degree of benefit one gets with any current hearing aids. We may often ask for input from other professionals such as developmental paediatrics, neurology, psychology etc.
2. Imaging – HRCT temporal Bones and MRI of the CP angle and inner ear.
3. Routine preoperative blood tests for anaesthesia. Patients would also be seen by a physician or paediatrician (in the cases of children) to ensure they are fit for general anaesthesia.
