Cochlear Implants

Treatment of Children

Cochlear implants for children and adolescents are available in Rochester and Jacksonville. For implanted children, training and support is given those involved in their education, and a collaborative relationship is maintained to facilitate the child's development.

Many factors are involved in determining if a child is a candidate for cochlear implantation. Listed below are the general criteria.

• Over 12 months old
• Profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears
• Limited benefit from hearing aids or vibrotactile devices as determined by specialized audiological testing
• No medical or radiological contraindications
• High motivation and appropriate expectations by parents/guardians and by the child (if old enough)

Treatment Team

Jacksonville
Mayo Clinic Audiology staff work with pediatric specialists at Nemours Children's Clinic in Jacksonville.

Rochester
Children are treated by the cochlear implant team, which includes pediatric ENT specialists and audiologists. Surgery is performed at Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital in Rochester.

Appointments

For appointments or more information, call the Central Appointment Office at (507) 538-3270 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.