Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are tiny electronic devices embedded into the spiral of the cochlea (inner ear) in surgery that has been simplified in recent years.

They replace the function of the inner ear by sending sounds in the form of electrical signals from an external microphone, directly to the hearing nerve and to the brain through a very thin wire called an electrode.

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Deaf children can receive cochlear implants (CIs) from a very young age – ideally before the age of five, if spoken language has not been acquired. CIs are best for children with a severe to profound deafness in both ears.

Cochlear implants consist of both internally implanted and externally-worn components. The external parts are taken off at night when your child goes to sleep (like a hearing-aid), goes swimming or engages in contact sports.

• The Benefits of Cochlear Implants in Children
• Cochlear Implants Alter What It Means To Be Deaf
• One Language May Be Best For Kids With Implants
• Bilingual, Spoken Language At Home And School
• The Sky’s The Limit, When Parents Are Informed (bilateral hearing)
• The “My Brother John” books explain CIs & hearing-aids to children.
• Explaining Cochlear Implants To Children
• Cochlear Implants: Balanced Views Are Important
• ” What It Feels Like … to have a deaf child ” (Oliver Dennis)
• ” Teaching A Deaf Child Her Mother’s Tongue ” (NY Times)
• Cochlear Implants Appreciated By Their Recipients
• Bilateral Cochlear Implants: Hearing With Two Ears
• After A Cochlear Implant – The Real Work Begins

1. The National Cochlear Implant Programme at Beaumont Hospital.

2. Helping Deaf Children To Hear And Talk – link to NCIP booklet.