Cochlear Implant Program
When a family decides
to investigate the option of a cochlear implant, their child
undergoes a comprehensive medical, audiological
and Auditory-Verbal Therapy evaluation. The therapy evaluation
consists of functional listening assessments and formal speech
and language testing. Collection of these data (medical, audiological
and therapy) provides information for assessing if
the child is a suitable candidate for cochlear implantation.
In addition, the data provides a baseline from which development
can be monitored and assessed following cochlear implantation.
Each
child is evaluated on an individual basis. The majority of
appointments required to complete the child’s evaluation
for cochlear implantation can be carried out at the Hear and
Say Brisbane Centre.
The
cochlear implant is usually switched on three weeks after surgery.
Switch-on occurs over a two day period. At this
time, the program or MAP is conservatively programmed so
that the
transition to the new signal is smooth. The term MAPping
is used to refer
to the programming of the speech processor. The ‘MAP’ refers
to the levels of electrical stimulation needed for the
electrodes to activate the hearing nerve. The MAP/program
is then saved
to the memory of the speech processor.
MAPping services
are available at all of our centres via appointment. Ongoing
audiological support for the cochlear implant recipient is available
at Hear and Say until the child is approximately
18 years of age. After this time, transition into an adult
cochlear implant program will take place.
The Hear and Say Centre has a number of external ENT specialists who provide ongoing advice and support and are an integral part of our Cochlear Implant Program. An alphabetical list of the contact details for these specialist ENT surgeons is provided below:
Dr David Bell-Allen...............Ph +61 7 3831 3131
Dr Bruce Black ....................Ph +61 7 3839 7677
Dr Paul Canty ......................Ph +61 7 3861 5433
Dr Andrew Lomas.................Ph +61 7 3839 8977
Dr Tony Parker....................Ph +61 7 3831 2355
Dr Chris Que Hee.................Ph +61 7 3831 4400
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