Abstract
We recommend individualized evaluation strategies for cochlear implant candidates that consider new developments in hearing aid technology. Four categories of patients are presented. Category I patients can be helped by modern ear level high-powered hearing aids and implantation is not warranted. Categories II and III patients leave us uncertain; they have improved sound detection with hearing aids, but achieve no open set word recognition. Category IV patients are unquestionably candidates for implants because no method of stimulation helps them. Experience has taught us that the most appropriate evaluation plan reflects the patient's history and is sensitive to the emotional and financial consequences of aborted candidacy. Those patients who are candidates can be guided through each component of the evaluation process with ever increasing confidence of ultimate success at the time of surgery.
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