Pediatric cochlear implantation - II: Postoperative follow-up

Abstract

A child with a cochlear implant is expected to achieve the successful outcome of facilitated perception of sound and more oral communication. To achieve this goal, ongoing intervention from a variety of professionals is required. These professionals may represent the disciplines of medicine, audiology, social work, education, and speech / language pathology. In India, cochlear implantation is available in only a few large cities. Here, the otolaryngologist will direct the cochlear implant program. 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 second 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 post-implantation follow-up. The first article, previously published, discussed cochlear implant candidacy. 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. © 2008 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.