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Assesment
The Yorkshire Cochlear Implant Service thoroughly assesses each adult referred to determine whether they would be a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant. The length of the assessment varies depending on each individual. During the course of the assessment, adults meet the ENT Consultant, Speech and Language Therapist, Audiologist and Service co-ordinator. This section describes each stage of the assessment procedure shown in the diagram below.
Initial appointment At the initial appointment a full case history on the adult’s hearing loss is taken. Hearing tests are completed and an informal communication assessment is done.
The adult is given information about equipment and services for deafened people.
Clinic During this initial clinic a medical consultation is completed by than ENT Consultant Surgeon. Opportunity is provided for information exchange.
Audiology Assessment Technical information is given and expectations about the benefits and limitations of a cochlear implant are discussed in depth. Further detailed hearing tests are carried out. If necessary a trial of a new hearing aid or other device is offered. Communication skills are assessed informally.
Decision to Continue An initial decision is made by the team about the adult’s suitability for a cochlear implant. If the adult is considered suitable they continue on the assessment pathway to further assessments. If it is considered that a cochlear implant is not suitable for them then the reasons are given and are discussed fully with them. The referrer is informed.
Further Audiology Assessment The hearing aid trial is concluded and further assessments are carried out if indicated. Information about the different cochlear implant devices is given.
Scan A scan is carried out at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which is used to show the structure of the inner ear.
Meet Cochlear Implant Users Meetings with cochlear implant users give an opportunity to discuss different people’s experiences of using a cochlear implant. A Support Group Meeting is arranged at the Centre on a regular basis but if this is not a convenient venue individual arrangements can be made.
Inform and Counsel Family/Colleagues A meeting is arranged for family, friends and work colleagues, if requested, to provide realistic information.
Decision and Offer A final decision is made by the team and offer of an implant is made to the adult if it is felt that the adult could gain benefit. If it is decided the a cochlear implant is not suitable audiological provision then the reasons are explained and discussed.
Pre-operative assessment and cochlear implant operation consent. These are arranged on the same day if possible but as a number of departments within the hospital are involved this is not always the case.
During the consent clinic their suitability for implant is discussed, the risks of surgery and post implant implication are reviewed and the consent form is signed.
Baseline Assessment Assessments are completed to establish listening, lipreading and communication skills before having a cochlear implant. The same assessments are carried out at intervals after the operation to assess progress.
Operation The hospital stay is usually a couple of days. The operation lasts 2 - 3 hours. It is usually advised that the adult has two weeks off work.