2024 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 17-19, 2024 • Denver, CO
3/19/2024 | 10:10 AM - 10:35 AM | Early Implantation for Children with Complex Medical Needs: A Multidisciplinary Approach | Capitol 5
Early Implantation for Children with Complex Medical Needs: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Earlier cochlear implantation in children with severe to profound hearing loss leads to better spoken language outcomes (Waltzman & Roland, 2005; Cuda et al., 2014). In 2020, the standard of care changed to consider implantation for children 9 months and older to facilitate these preferable outcomes. As a major pediatric medical center, our patient population is diverse with regards to medical diagnoses. The aim of our study was to determine differences in age at implantation and candidacy evaluation time for cochlear implant recipients with and without medical diagnoses in addition to hearing loss.
Children who have medical diagnoses in addition to hearing loss take longer to progress through the cochlear implant evaluation process. This is due, in part, to the need for appointments with additional medical specialists. While these children are often implanted at an older age when compared to their peers with hearing loss alone, they are not precluded from "early implantation”.
Our multidisciplinary team approach is designed to support the whole child and empower the family when deciding on cochlear implantation. With appropriate counseling, families of children with complex medical needs can have realistic expectations and overall satisfaction with their child’s unique cochlear implant journey.
- Participants will be able to list at least two possible reasons to consider early cochlear implantation for a child with complex medical needs
- Participants will be able to identify at least one contributing factor to the difference in CI evaluation time
- Participants will be able to describe the core members of the cochlear implant team that evaluate all patients progressing through the candidacy process.
Presentation:
3478265_16256LauraGreaver.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
3478265_16256LauraGreaver.docx
Presenters/Authors
Dani Stern
(Co-Author), Children's Hospital Colorado, dani.stern@childrenscolorado.org;
Dani Stern is a clinical audiologist at Children's Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs. Her clinical interests include working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Plus children and their families, cochlear implants, and vestibular testing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Laura Greaver
(Primary Presenter), Children's Hospital Colorado, laura.greaver@childrenscolorado.org;
Laura Greaver is a pediatric audiologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Laura is currently a member of the Cochlear Implant team and provides
services in Colorado Springs. She previously worked at Nemours Children’s
Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, and Hearing Rehab Center in Colorado
Springs. Laura attended the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill for
her doctorate program.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.