Audiology Implantables

1093L - Reframed Guidelines for Determining Pediatric Cochlear Implant Candidacy

Thursday, November 17, 2022

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM CT

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (In-Person)

Audience: Students, Public/Consumers, Related Professionals

Keywords: cochlear implant, pediatric, candidacy, evidence-based guidelines, clinical protocols

Presenting Author(s)

Andrea Warner-Czyz

The University of Texas at Dallas
Kristin Uhler

CU Anschutz

Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Lindsay Zombek

University Hospitals
Denise Thomas

Lurie Children's
J. Thomas Roland

NYU Med Center

Referrals for cochlear implant candidacy evaluations in children traditionally follow specific audiologic and medical criteria approved by the Food and Drug Administration: Bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss for children as young as 9-12 months. However, rapid evolution of technological advancements, therapeutic strategies, research-based evidence, and clinical indications support the need for a more flexible approach to pediatric implant candidacy. Recommendations for a cochlear implant evaluation also should consider a child’s skill progression (i.e., month-for-month progress in speech, language, and auditory development), quality of life with appropriately fit hearing aids, and ear-specific performance. This session urges professionals working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing to reframe their thinking about referrals for cochlear implant candidacy evaluations.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize three primary determinants of pediatric cochlear implant candidacy
Evaluate multi-disciplinary input to determining pediatric cochlear implant candidacy
Identify three off-label considerations for cochlear implant candidacy in children.