Cochlear implants may provide useful hearing to children who get little or no benefit from hearing aids. Implants consist of an external speech processor and an internal component.
The visible component of the cochlear implant is called the processor. It consists of a microphone, batteries and a mini computer that analyses incoming sounds and converts them into digital signals. These signals are then transmitted through the skin via a coil to the internal implant via radio waves.
The internal implant is designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and send electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve where the brain interprets it as sound.
· A severe to profound hearing loss has been diagnosed.
· Hearing aids are not effective enough.
· Your child has recently suffered meningitis.
· Your child’s hearing loss is getting worse.
An operation lasting up to three hours is necessary to insert the implant. After surgery, patients stay overnight and go home the next day. The surgical process is explained in detail during each child’s assessment. A parent stays overnight with the child.
If you have not been referred and you would like your child to be assessed for a cochlear implant, contact the following groups:
Northern Cochlear Implant Programme Clinical Coordinator on 09 373 7956 or info@ncip.org.nz, your local Ear Nose & Throat Specialist or audiologist.
Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (Paediatric) Programme Administrator on 0800 275 7247 or info@vanasch.school.nz, your local Ear Nose & Throat Specialist or audiologist.
“The cochlear implant has given Matthew the gift of being able to hear, listen and speak. This has opened up a world of options that may not have been accessible to Matthew otherwise.” - Esther Pakura (Matthew’s mother)
Ella is soooo happy to have her implant and that she can’t believe that she lived her life without one! Every day is about discovery! … We have never had any regrets. Ella knows that it is only going to get better but already the benefits are amazing.” - Ursula Foley (Ella’s mother)
Further helpful information is available at:
Cochlear Limited www.cochlear.com
MED-EL www.medel.com
The Hearing House www.hearinghouse.co.nz
Kelston Deaf Education Centre www.kdec.school.nz
Van Asch Deaf Education Centre www.vanasch.school.nz
Hear-It www.hear-it.org
Ear Foundation www.earfoundation.org.uk
The Listening Room www.hearingjourney.com
Oticon www.oticon.com
Alexander Graham Bell Listening Academy www.agbellacademy.org
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