Before receiving a cochlear implant, each child is carefully evaluated, as follows:
- The St. Louis Children's Hospital Cochlear Implant Team works with families to determine whether or not a cochlear implant is the right option for their child.
- Audiological, speech/language and educational records are reviewed and incorporated into the cochlear implant evaluation process.
- During the evaluation, the team evaluates the child’s hearing, with and without hearing aids, and determines the child’s ability to hear and understand speech with well fit hearing aids.
Once a recommendation is made, our team provides information and education about the process of receiving a cochlear implant and the long-term follow-up care that will be needed, supporting the family in their decision. The parents and child (when age appropriate) are also provided counseling and guidance about the available implant systems and what can be expected if the child were to receive a cochlear implant. Our program provides initial services and long term follow-up care.
For further information please call 314.454.2201 (voice and TTY).
