Introduction

Cochlear Implant (CI) programme is a part of CHILD at NUH, a programme which conducts assessments to determine whether hearing- impaired children/adults are suitable candidates for CI surgery.  We provide the surgery and coordinate the post-operative services to those patients implanted. 

Patients interested in the CI programme are advised to submit relevant information regarding their child's medical and hearing history for evaluation and selection. Based on the information received, they will then be advised as to whether they should undergo a more comprehensive assessment, such as the Auditory Performance Evaluation (APE).

A qualified audiologist and therapist will conduct specific speech and language assessments as deemed suitable, and provide the post-implant habilitation. 

Cochlear Implant Investigations and Therapy
• MAPping
• Neural Response Telemetry (NRT)
• Auditory Performance Evaluation (APE)
• Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT)

In order to be accepted as a candidate for a cochlear implant, the family is required to attend recommended assessments before the final evaluation can be made. They must also  be committed to the clinic's approach.  All implantees must undergo regular post-operative assessments.

Common FAQs

1.     About the surgery ?

Before a cochlear implant is considered, a series of tests such as ear examination, hearing evaluation, radiologic (x-ray, MRI) examination, and AVT are necessary.

Cochlear implant surgery is performed by Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialists) under general anesthesia and lasts from two to three hours. An incision is made just behind the ear to access the mastoid cavity that leads to the middle and inner ears.  An x-ray is taken after surgery to confirm the position of the implant. Generally, the patient stays for one or two days after surgery.

2.     What happens after surgery ?

About one month after surgery, the cochlear implant team will ‘switch on’ the implant. They will teach the parents how to look after the system. The patient will probably be asked to return for a few visits  for regular checkups and readjustments of the speech processor are needed.

3.     What can I expect from the surgery ?

Cochlear implants do not restore normal hearing and benefits vary from one individual to another. There are many factors that contribute to the degree of benefit a user receives from a cochlear implant, including:
•  How long has a patient been deaf ?
•  The number of surviving auditory nerve fibers.
•  The patient’s and family’s motivation to learn to hear and speak.

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