Worldwide, the number of implants is rapidly increasing. In addition to meeting audiometric and medical criteria, the basic evaluation of cochlear implant candidates involves analyzing multiple other factors.
General Criteria for Cochlear Implant Candidacy
Prelingual and Postlingual Children
- Bilateral severe-to-profound hearing loss (only profound hearing loss in children < 2 years old)
- Lack of auditory development with a proper binaural hearing aid trial as documented by objective testing or a parental questionnaire (for very young children)
- Properly aided open-set work recognition scores < 20–30% in children capable of testing
- Suitable auditory developmental education plan
- Lack of medical contraindication
Postlingual Adults
- 18 years of age
- Bilateral severe to profound hearing loss
- Properly aided sentence (HINT) recognition scores < 40%
- Lack of medical contraindication, with cochlea and auditory nerve present
Prelingual Adults
- 18 years of age
- Bilateral profound deafness
- Minimal benefit from properly fitted hearing aid
- Lack of medical contraindication, with cochlea and auditory nerve present
Reference:
Lalwani Anil K. 2007. Current Diagnosis and Treatment Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery 2nd Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.