Center for Cochlear Implants Evaluation Process
Contact The Center for Cochlear Implants by phone (469-270-1652) or email (CI@dallasear.com). Our team will request that you send us your recent hearing records for review. If our team believes you may be a candidate for a cochlear implant, you will be contacted to schedule an evaluation.
The Evaluation Process to Better Hearing
Hearing Testing & Medical Evaluation Steps
Our audiologist will test your ability to hear and understand speech with and without hearing aids. These tests help determine whether cochlear implantation is right for you and provide realistic expectations of the results you can expect. You will also have a thorough medical exam with a cochlear implant surgeon. Once candidacy is determined, additional evaluation steps will be recommended by your physician and can include the following assessments: vestibular (balance) testing, a psychological evaluation, MRI, auditory verbal evaluation, genetics evaluation.
Insurance Approval
Our billing specialist will work with your insurance company to determine your eligibility for coverage.
Surgery
Surgery is completed in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and the majority of patients go home the same day. Young children may spend one night in the hospital.
Activation
Typically 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, you will have an appointment with your audiologist to activate your cochlear implant. This is the day you will begin to hear sound through your cochlear implant for the first time.
Post Surgery
You will have several appointments over the first several months so your audiologist can make adjustments and fine tune your sound processor to help ensure your best hearing experience.
Ongoing Rehabilitation & Care
Just as with any surgical procedure, you will need to undergo rehabilitation. Your brain will need to be retrained to understand sounds. Auditory rehabilitation can help to speed up the learning process and will be key to your success.