Cochlear Implant Care Team Roles
Cochlear Implant Program
Otolaryngologist/ENT
An otolaryngologist – or ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor – is a surgeon who completes the medical evaluation, orders tests and determines medical candidacy for cochlear implants. Our cochlear implant surgeons are fellowship-trained experts in pediatric cochlear implant surgery. They provide ongoing otologic care throughout the process. They perform the cochlear implant surgery.
Audiologist
An audiologist is a specialist who conducts the tests to determine the type and severity of the hearing loss. They fit the hearing aids and assess whether the devices provide adequate benefit. They also guide your family through the cochlear implant selection process and program the external processor following the surgery. Our audiologists work exclusively with children and their hearing needs.
Speech Pathologist
A speech pathologist is a specialist who assesses speech/language skills before the cochlear implant surgery. They also will work extensively with your child after the surgery to teach proper listening skills and work on language development.
Learn more about speech pathology
Psychologist
A psychologist is a specialist who provides family support throughout the cochlear implant process. They offer opportunities to discuss concerns, questions and outcome expectations of implantation. This helps ensure there is adequate family support, motivation and commitment to proceed with surgery. Along with other team members, the psychologist assesses your child’s cognitive functioning and general development. For older children, the psychologist can help prepare your child for what to expect during surgery and post-implantation rehabilitation. Long term, this specialist is available to guide appropriate educational programming and help your child and family explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Genetics
Your child may be referred to the genetics department for evaluation and consultation to determine if there is a genetic link to their hearing loss.