Updated January 26, 2012.

Question: Who is not a candidate for a cochlear implant

I am frequently asked by parents if their child will qualify for a cochlear implant, and adults also ask if they will qualify. Here is a list of conditions that may cause a candidate to be turned down for a cochlear implant.

Answer:

• If patient has too much hearing
• If there is too much benefit from a hearing aid
• Too young (currently FDA approved for 12 months and up with a few exceptions)

• Physically can not use a cochlear implant
• Body can not tolerate surgery
• Candidate has a unilateral, not a bilateral, hearing loss