Adjusting to a New Cochlear Implant for a Child - By Carissa Moeggenberg, M.A., CCC-A, Advanced Bionics Corporation

[Guest guest]

From Audiology Online, December 5, 2005

-------------

ASK the EXPERT

Adjusting to a New Cochlear Implant for a Child

Carissa Moeggenberg, M.A., CCC-A, Advanced Bionics Corporation

Our daughter, age 3, is getting a HiResolution Cochlear Implant this Friday.

I'm wondering....when we first amplified Ali with her Phonak hearing aid on

the left side, she did not tolerate it very well, and still had significant

balance problems. One year later, she wears both hearing aids all day and

has adapted to the balance issue. Interestingly enough, when we added the

right hearing aid, even though she did not show any improvement from it, she

immediately kept both hearing aids in ALL DAY. We're talking from the minute

we hit the door, it never left her ear...either ear. Her balance

significantly improved as well. As we journey into the CI world, by

implanting just one side (for now) do you think we will revisit the balance

problems previously challenging her? Would bilateral CI address any

balance/hearing related issues? Or is the difference with the CI so

significant it wouldn't be an issue to consider?

...........

First of all I want to wish you and your daughter the best of luck as you

begin your journey with the cochlear implant. You ask very good questions

and I would encourage you to speak with your surgeon and audiologist

regarding your questions if you have not already done so to get their

opinions.

It is not uncommon for young children with a severe to profound hearing loss

to also have associated balance problems as the vestibular system may also

have anomalies associated with the etiology of the hearing loss. However,

children are resilient and with time the vestibular system can learn to

compensate. Additionally, in rare instances, dizziness and imbalance have

been reported following initial stimulation of a cochlear implant. These

symptoms usually dissipate with time and use of the cochlear implant. You

should talk with your surgeon and audiologist to learn more about what you

should expect for your child.

Another item to consider would be the use of a hearing aid on the

non-implanted ear following surgery and following her initial stimulation.

After surgery, hearing aid use in the implanted ear is not generally

recommended. Therefore, your daughter will use only one hearing aid again.

You should discuss the possibility for imbalance and dizziness during the

recovery period, based on your daughter’s past experience, with your

audiologist. At your daughter’s cochlear implant initial stimulation, you

should also discuss the options and reasons for continuing the use of a

hearing aid on the non-implanted ear.

In recent years there has been a growing trend to provide bilateral cochlear

implants to children and adults who are severe to profoundly hearing

impaired. There are a number of reasons, such as localization and hearing in

noise, why two implants, like two hearing aids may provide “better hearing”

than one implant. Research trials are currently underway with the

HiResolution Bionic Ear System to determine the benefits of bilateral

implantation. So, you ask an important question about the possibility for

your daughter to have 2 implants, given her past experience with two versus

one hearing aid, which you should discuss further with your cochlear implant

team.

Cochlear implants have proven to be a successful treatment option for

children and adults who are severe to profoundly hearing impaired. The

journey of sound with a cochlear implant is about to begin for your daughter

and with strong family support, intensive therapy, time and experience a

world of oral communication and hearing independence is within reach.

For more information on Advanced Bionics, visit http://www.bionicear.com

Carissa Moeggenberg is an Educational Specialist with Advanced Bionics

Corporation. She joined Advanced Bionics in 2002 as a Clinical Specialist.

She recently joined the Auditory Education and Training Department. Prior to

joining Advanced Bionics Carissa was at the University of Michigan Medical

Center where she served as a pediatric cochlear implant audiologist for 10

years. She lives in Michigan with her husband and 2 children.