Implantable Devices for Deaf Children

The idea of providing hearing to profoundly deaf patients by artificially stimulating the sensory system has progressed from a futuristic possibility to reality. Generally, an implantable hearing device is designed to capture sound and present it to the auditory system, where at least part of the device is surgically implanted in the child receiving it. The goal of the implantable devices in young children is to facilitate the development of spoken language and to provide sufficient hearing for better understanding of speech. The increased use, particularly of CIs, is due in no small part to a combination of increased public awareness, coverage of costs of the device and surgical implantation, the option for bilateral devices, implantation with a significant amount of residual hearing, and improved performance and outcomes. Internal and external components of CI systems will continue to decrease in size whereas their design, flexibility, and function will continue to improve. Additionally, it is likely that completely implantable CI systems will be available in the future. Treatment options for hearing loss now include several implantable devices, including cochlear implants (unilateral and bilateral), hybrid cochlear implant devices, and auditory brainstem implants. This article will provide information regarding how such devices work, and information regarding component of devices and candidacy statements.