Tuesday 19 January 2016

External Speech Processor Upgrade for Cochlear Implants: What are the criteria for upgrade?

The Cochlear Implant system consists of an internal part which is surgically inserted  and an external Processor.
Internal component 

intraoperative snapshot of internal part





The external component is switched on 2-4 weeks after surgery


external procesor

The magnet (beige) of external processor is seen 


The external processor has to be maintained and cared for so that the child is always listening to sounds.

The processor care can be categorised in two groups:

I. Providing repairs,replacements and batteries.Some components are covered in warranty and we always prepare parents to keep aside an amount for these regular maintainance in our pre operative councelling.

II.To provide access to newer technology which can provide improved perception of speech to the implantee.
Usually the external processor is changed anywhere between 3-10 years (on an average of 5 years,child may need a new speech processor).

Newer technologies may provide better access to spoken language and ease/comfort of use.

Following links provide information on processor upgrade criteria in Australia and Canada where upgrades are government sponsored.

www.hearing.com.au

Sharing the Canadian Guidelines for Processor upgrades  for Pediatric Cochlear Implant users

https://www.cadth.ca/speech-processor-upgrades-pediatric-patients-cochlear-implants-clinical-evidence-and-guidelines



Trust real doctors sitting in front of you, not internet....

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