About Cochlear Implants

Receiving a Cochlear Implant

Before your child gets their implant, read up on the basics — from how the implant works to what to expect on the day of the procedure to recovery after surgery.

Activating the Cochlear Implant

One of the most exciting parts of the cochlear implant process is activation day. Two weeks after surgery, your child will return to their audiologist for their initial activation. This is when we program and turn on the implant for the first time.

At this visit, our main goal is sound detection and to begin providing your child’s auditory nerve and brain with new stimulation.

Speech Therapy and Extra Help

Your child’s cochlear implant has been activated. Their audiologist has programmed the right settings. they’re beginning to listen to a brand new world of sound.

What happens next?

Active listening and practice with the cochlear implant have been shown to increase speech understanding. Research has shown that listening practice or exercises, known as aural rehabilitation or aural rehab, can increase the rate of progress.

Aural rehab includes exercises and programs designed to teach your child how to listen through their implant. Your child may work through these exercises with a professional, like a speech-language pathologist. They may be able to do aural rehab exercises on their own at home, through methods as simple as listening to audio books through the implant.

Aural Rehab Resources

Here are several programs and websites designed to help your child with aural rehab. Many of these sites have created self-guided listening exercises that allow you to move through programs at your own pace.

Technical Support

Here’s where to go for troubleshooting, whether you have technical questions, want to purchase new parts, or need information about insurance and reimbursement.