A person must undergo multiple screenings to determine if they are a suitable candidate. The testing includes audiologic, psychological, medical examinations, and tests performed by the surgeon. The tests will determine if the person needs bilateral, both ears, or unilateral, one-sided, cochlear implants. Once deemed a pertinent applicant, communication options must be established and selected. Listening and spoken language, cued speech, and American Sign Language, also known as ASL, are the most popular prerogatives. Audiologist, Dr. Alexandra Wheeler, describes the communication selection process, “This is a very crucial decision, besides the implant itself, because it will change the way of social exchange.” If a person chooses to communicate in sign language, they need to be surrounded by people who know how to respond. Children will need to attend schools that accommodate ASL, as well as spoken language. In 1989, The Food and Drug Administration approved cochlear implantation in children as young as twelve months old. “During the first three years of life, a child’s brain is still building its neural connections. For a child with hearing loss, this means that during these first years a child’s brain is much more likely to adapt to the cochlear implant’s electric stimulation as compared to later in life” (Vincent). Early implantation prompts the brain to respond and convert
A person must undergo multiple screenings to determine if they are a suitable candidate. The testing includes audiologic, psychological, medical examinations, and tests performed by the surgeon. The tests will determine if the person needs bilateral, both ears, or unilateral, one-sided, cochlear implants. Once deemed a pertinent applicant, communication options must be established and selected. Listening and spoken language, cued speech, and American Sign Language, also known as ASL, are the most popular prerogatives. Audiologist, Dr. Alexandra Wheeler, describes the communication selection process, “This is a very crucial decision, besides the implant itself, because it will change the way of social exchange.” If a person chooses to communicate in sign language, they need to be surrounded by people who know how to respond. Children will need to attend schools that accommodate ASL, as well as spoken language. In 1989, The Food and Drug Administration approved cochlear implantation in children as young as twelve months old. “During the first three years of life, a child’s brain is still building its neural connections. For a child with hearing loss, this means that during these first years a child’s brain is much more likely to adapt to the cochlear implant’s electric stimulation as compared to later in life” (Vincent). Early implantation prompts the brain to respond and convert