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YCIS - Implants - Bilateral Implantation

Bilateral Implantation

It is current practice in the United Kingdom to implant one ear. There are, however, certain cases where two implants may be offered. This is called bilateral implantation.

Bilateral implantation may be offered where:

risk of ossification (new bone growth in the cochleas) following meningitis

there is evidence of sclerosis (a type of scarring) seen on a scan

the adult or child has additional significant visual problems

In such cases, the appropriate funding is sought from the relevant Primary Care Trust (PCT) (See reference below). Whilst it is recommended that funding should be made available for bilateral implantation this cannot be guaranteed.

The possibility of bilateral implantation will always be discussed in full with the adult or parents. Different issues will influence the decision about whether to have one cochlear implant or two. These issues vary from one person to another, so it is important for each decision to be made on an individual basis.

Reference :‘Where there is a risk of ossification of the cochlea and where there is clear medical opinion that bilateral implantation would be appropriate, additional funding for bilateral implantation should be made available.
(Quality Standards BCIG/NDCS April 2005).