The Survey of Canadian Paediatric Cochlear Implant Centres, conducted in 1994, offers a wealth of information for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of paediatric audiology, specifically regarding cochlear implants. This article outlines how professionals can leverage the findings of this survey to improve outcomes for children with profound hearing loss.
Firstly, understanding the patient selection criteria is crucial. The survey highlights the importance of profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, little or no benefit from amplification, no medical contraindications, good motivation, and appropriate expectations as key criteria. Notably, most programs also emphasized the need for an educational program with a strong auditory component. For practitioners, this underscores the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation process that considers not just the medical but also the educational and motivational aspects of candidates.
The team approach was universally adopted across the surveyed centres, incorporating a range of professionals including audiologists, surgeons, speech-language pathologists, auditory-verbal therapists, educators of the hearing-impaired, psychologists, and social workers. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the child's well-being are considered. Practitioners can improve their skills by actively seeking opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and learning from their peers in different specialties.
Regarding habilitation services, there was a diverse range of programs offered, from auditory-verbal therapy to total communication programs. This diversity in service provision highlights the importance of tailoring habilitation to the individual needs of each child. Practitioners should be adept at multiple habilitation strategies and continually seek professional development opportunities to learn new techniques and methodologies.
The survey also indicated a shift in the population receiving implants, from post-lingually deaf children to pre-lingually deaf children, reflecting broader changes in the field. This shift underscores the need for practitioners to stay informed about the latest research and trends in cochlear implantation to provide the most up-to-date care.
Finally, the increase in cochlear implant surgeries and the expansion of programs across Canada point to the growing acceptance and availability of cochlear implants as a viable option for children with profound hearing loss. Practitioners should advocate for and participate in ongoing research to continue improving outcomes for these children.
For practitioners looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in paediatric cochlear implantation, the insights from this survey provide a valuable guide. By focusing on comprehensive evaluation, interdisciplinary collaboration, tailored habilitation services, and continuous learning, professionals can significantly improve the support they offer to children with cochlear implants.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Survey of Canadian Paediatric Cochlear Implant Centre.
