Position Statement: Cochlear Implants

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that can help in providing a sense of sound to persons who are deaf or severely hard of hearing. The implant consists of an external receiver/processor that sits behind the ear and an internal part consisting of an electrode array placed surgically within the cochlea. An implant does not restore normal hearing, instead it can give a useful representation of sounds and enhance speech comprehension.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as of April 2009 approximately 188,000 patients worldwide have been implanted.

For patients or candidate users and professionals, IFHOH has published the Position Statement ( PDF ).

This updated policy paper is based on a former policy paper of IFHOH. Valuable contributions and changes were made by Ricki Salomon (Israel), Ruth Warick (Canada) and Marcel Bobeldijk (Netherlands) and edited by Ahiya Kamara and Gaby Admon-Rick (Israel)

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