Cochlear implants for children

Good hearing opens a world of possibilities for children and their families. Learn how cochlear implants may help your child.

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What you'll find on this page

  • How cochlear implants may improve a child's hearing.
  • The benefits of cochlear implants.

Singing nursery rhymes. Learning the alphabet. Saying "I love you". Hearing plays a crucial role in many aspects of your child's life.

For children with severe to profound hearing loss, getting a cochlear implant early may provide sufficient auditory input to help develop speech and language skills.1

"After receiving the cochlear implant he was able to go back to his normal preschool, primary school and then junior high school."*¹

- Mother of Booray Ma, Cochlear™ Nucleus® System recipient

Who do cochlear implants help?

Cochlear implants are suitable for children with severe to profound hearing loss in one or both ears, or for children getting only limited benefit from hearing aids.

Even if your child has moderate hearing loss, a cochlear implant may still be an option if hearing aids aren't effective.

Could your child benefit from a cochlear implant?

  • Was your child born with severe to profound hearing loss?

  • Was your child born with normal hearing and has progressive hearing loss?

  • Does your child fail to respond to your voice or loud sounds?

  • Does your child fail to look at someone who’s speaking?

  • Does your child react to only very loud sounds?

  • Is your child not imitating speech sounds like other children?

  • Is your child missing the normal speech and language development milestones?

  • Has your child lost hearing since first learning to speak?

  • Does your child rely on lip reading a lot of the time?

  • Does your child find the effort of concentrating to hear and understand teachers exhausting?

To find out if a cochlear implant may help, talk to a hearing health professional who specialises in all types of hearing technology.

 

Find a hearing implant specialist near you

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

*1 Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

References

  1. Novak MA, Firszt JB, Rotz LA, et al. Cochlear implants in infants and toddlers. Ann Otol Rhino Laryngol Suppl 2000;185:46-49.