Cochlear Ear Implant Overview
Rady Children’s Cochlear Implant Program provides state-of-the-art care to children with severe to profound hearing levels, focusing on each child’s unique needs. Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of professionals across disciplines – from Audiology, Otolaryngology, Speech-Language Pathology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Consultation and Social Work. The multidisciplinary team approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of children being considered for the implants as well as patients who already have them.
Patient Success: Grayson’s Story
About Cochlear Implants
Cochlear impla
nts are an alternative to hearing aids. They can transmit sound information directly to the auditory nerve in cases of severe to profound hearing levels, where the benefit from hearing aids is severely limited, or when spoken language perception abilities are poor.
As with hearing aids, cochlear implants do not return a child’s hearing levels to a typical hearing range. But, for certain individuals with hearing differences, there is a vast improvement in auditory function and speech clarity. The primary goal of our program is to provide each child with the tools required to understand spoken language and communicate with confidence when spoken language is the family’s goal.
At Rady Children’s Health, we specialize in cochlear ear implants for children with severe to profound hearing loss, offering a life-changing solution for those who cannot benefit from conventional hearing aids. Cochlear implant surgery involves placing an implant device that bypasses the damaged inner ear, directly stimulating the auditory nerve with electrical signals to provide a sense of sound.
Our team of skilled medical professionals, including surgeons, audiologists and speech-language pathologists, work together to ensure the best outcomes for each child. The process begins with a comprehensive hearing test to assess the extent of hearing loss, followed by implant surgery under general anesthesia. Post-surgery, the speech processor is adjusted and fine-tuned to optimize the child’s hearing experience, helping them achieve better communication and development.
For more information on our program, click on the links on the left or Contact Us below. Our team has several important numbers for you to use. We have a cochlear implant community/educational liaison who will assist you through your journey and answer any questions you may have:
– Olivia Carrillo, Community/Educational Liaison
In addition, we have a dedicated number to answer any of your CI-specific scheduling or insurance questions: 858-966-8601
If you are trying to cancel an existing CI appointment, please call 858-966-8100.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a cochlear ear implant?
A cochlear ear implant is an electronic device that provides a sense of sound to individuals with severe or profound hearing loss by bypassing the damaged inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve.
Who is a candidate for cochlear implantation?
Children with significant hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids may be candidates for cochlear implant surgery. A thorough evaluation, including a hearing test, is conducted by our audiologists to determine eligibility.
What does cochlear implant surgery involve?
The surgery involves placing the implant device under the skin behind the ear and inserting electrodes into the cochlea. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes a few hours.
How does a cochlear implant differ from a hearing aid?
Unlike a hearing aid, which amplifies sound, a cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the inner ear, directly stimulating the hearing nerve with electrical signals to provide sound.
What follow-up care is needed after cochlear implantation?
After surgery, the child will work with our audiologists and speech-language pathologists to adjust the speech processor and receive therapy to improve speech and listening skills. Ongoing follow-up appointments ensure optimal use of the device.
View a full list of FAQs here.
In the News
- Daniela Carvalho, MD, highlights Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System, Contemporary Pediatrics, features Daniela Carvalho, M.D, M.M.M.
- Palm Desert Baby Becomes First in California to Receive New Pediatric Cochlear Implant, nbcpalmsprings.com, features Daniela Carvalho, M.D, M.M.M.
- Rady Children’s ‘Joy of Sound Celebration’ returns after 5 years, fox5sandiego.com, features Daniela Carvalho, M.D, M.M.M.
- Toddler Can Hear Thanks to Cochlear Implants from Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, cbs8.com, features Daniela Carvalho, M.D, M.M.M.