Evaluation
Patients undergo many tests during several outpatient visits. These tests include but are not limited to:
- Hearing test
- Hearing aid evaluation
- Speech understanding with appropriate hearing aids
- Balance assessment
- MRI scan
- Medical evaluation
- Insurance consultation
- Audiologic consultation
- Psychology consultation
- Speech pathology consultation
Eligibility Criteria
In addition, candidates for cochlear implantation are assessed to determine their eligibility for surgery. Listed below are the general criteria for adults:
- Severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears
- Limited benefit from hearing aid as determined by specialized audiological testing
- No medical or radiological conditions or factors that increase the risks associated with cochlear implants
- High motivation to participate in rehabilitation sessions and to be part of the hearing world
- Clear understanding of what cochlear implants can and cannot do for hearing