Who is a candidate for Cochlear Implant | Ear Institute of Chicago

Call Us: +1 (630) 789-3110

Cochlear Implants Banner_Ear Institute of Chicago

Hearing Aid Center

Earlens Hearing Aid

Acoustic Neuroma

EAR Institute Blog

The following general criteria are used to determine candidacy for a cochlear implant:

Adults

18 years of age or older.
Moderate-to-profound, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Limited benefit from appropriately fitted hearing aids.
High motivation and family support

Children
Young children: 12 month to 2 years:

Bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss
Lack of progress in development of auditory skills with a hearing aid or other amplification
High motivation and realistic expectations from family
No medical conditions that would interfere with cochlear implant procedure

Children: 2 to 17 years:

Bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss
Lack of progress in development of auditory skills with a hearing aid or other amplification
High motivation and realistic expectations from family
No medical conditions that would interfere with cochlear implant procedure

**The criteria above are general guidelines only. Each patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the implant team to determine if a cochlear implant is in the patient’s and family’s best interests.

Please click here for a "Comparison of Cochlear Implants".