By: Joanne Camejo

A cochlear implant manufactured by Advanced Bionics, which maximizes the hearing potential of it’s recipients. It allows its recipients to experience as much of the full spectrum of natural as possible.A special programming software called SoundWave Professional Suite used cochlear implant audiologists to optimize sound processing programs on the sound processor computing system.It is comprised of two components:

1. The Harmony HiRes 90K Implant2. The Harmony BTE Sound Processor.

Surgically implanted beneath the muscle tissue and skin on the side of the head. The electrode is threaded down into the hearing mechanism of the inner ear, the cochlea.Small surgical size ideal for very young children.Capable of being upgraded without surgery.

Implant with HiFocus Electrode

A built-in microphone detects nearby sounds and converts it into digitally coded signals. Processes sound with unmatched fidelity and clarity from a whisper to a shout.Discreet low-profile headpiece is easy to conceal and ultra-light for comfort.

The Harmony BTE₁ Sound Processor

Harmony (Behind the Ear)1 Sound Processor

Children at least age two who have not benefited from hearing aids.Children with pre-lingual deafness and those completely unfamiliar with sound. Individuals with hearing level greater than 90 decibels.

General cost of a cochlear implant is $40,000.Most health insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-funded programs provide coverage for cochlear implantation.  Insurance pre-authorization is usually required. Most health plans cover the supplies that support the cochlear implant technology.A three year manufacturer’s limited warranty covers the sound processor, the headpiece and the battery charger. Many health plans provide durable medical equipment (DME) benefits to cover repairs and replacement of parts for cochlear implants.

Activation of device after1-4 weeks of healingMapping – programming of electrical stimulationAudiological TrainingSpeech TherapyLip Reading Training

Students with cochlear implants may still need special accommodations in the classroom:1. preferential seating 2. a note taker 3. a quiet environment, away from air handlers and other

noisy equipment 4. a sign-language interpreter or cued speech interpreter Evaluate students their learning environment often to assure they don’t fall behind their classmates. Treat students as individuals according to their needs – benefits of cochlear implant vary from person to person.

www.advancedbionics.com

“Educating Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Cochlear Implants”, www.hoagiesgifted.org

www.fda.gov