Cochlear Implant Program
Evaluation for cochlear implantation
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.
MAPping
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.
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Specialist Support
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