Cochlear implant candidacy (examination) depends on a variety of factors. The pre-implant evaluation may take several weeks and/or months to complete. An appropriate candidate has a severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and receives "little or no benefit" from powerful hearing aids. During the evaluation period, children who do not wear hearing aids will be fitted with them and given an appropriate hearing aid trial. The determination for candidacy is a CI team decision. There are many parts to the evaluation and acceptance is determined by performance on a variety of tasks. The pre-implantation process includes the following:

Audiological/Speech-Language Evaluation
The audiological evaluation will consist of a hearing test to assess the degree of hearing loss. This evaluation will also consist of a hearing aid evaluation to determine the appropriate fit of amplification. Speech, hearing and language tests are performed to elaborate on one's abilities and establish a baseline of information. Auditory brainstem response, stapedial reflex testing and otoacoustic emission testing will be combined with auditory behavioral response evaluations to determine hearing status. Counseling regarding expectations and implications of the cochlear implant will be provided by the audiologist/speech-language pathologist.

Otologic/ Medical Evaluation
All patients must undergo a complete medical evaluation to rule out active systemic disease and other medical conditions that may contraindicate the cochlear implant surgery. The surgeon will also determine whether one can safely undergo general anesthesia. Counseling on the risks of the surgery is provided by the surgeon. X-rays will be reviewed to ensure the cochlea is formed appropriately for the insertion of the electrode array.

Psychological Evaluation
When necessary, psychological evaluations are used to determine a baseline for cochlear implant outcomes. Expectations must be reasonable, motivation must be high and commitment and willingness to participate in all rehabilitation/habilitation processes is essential. At times, psychological factors may be used as exclusion criteria.

All patients must undergo a complete medical evaluation to rule out active systemic disease and other medical conditions that may contraindicate the cochlear implant surgery. The surgeon will also determine whether one can safely undergo general anesthesia. Counseling on the risks of the surgery is provided by the surgeon. X-rays will be reviewed to ensure the cochlea is formed appropriately for the insertion of the electrode array.

Psychological Evaluation
When necessary, psychological evaluations are used to determine a baseline for cochlear implant outcomes. Expectations must be reasonable, motivation must be high and commitment and willingness to participate in all rehabilitation/habilitation processes is essential. At times, psychological factors may be used as exclusion criteria.