Pediatric cochlear implantation-I : Candidacy.

The cochlear implant is a successful means of intervention to facilitate the perception of sound and oral communication for children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Often, the cochlear implantation process is viewed as being limited to a surgical procedure, rather than an entire process of medical, audiological, psychosocial, educational and therapeutic, management. In India, cochlear implantation is available in only a few large cities. Here, the otolaryngologist will direct the cochlear implant programme. Besides determination of medical candidacy, device implantation and medical management, the otolaryngologist is responsible to ensure that other aspects of cochlear implant management are implemented. This paper, the first of two that describe the multidisciplinary, team approach of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), in Pennsylvania, USA, discusses the non-medical aspects of cochlear implant candidacy. A second article will follow that covers post-implantation follow- up. The various speech tests used at CHOP for assessment are based on the English language. They may be translated into the regional Indian languages where the assessment and training can be carried out accordingly.