Information on cochlear implants

Dylansmom · #1 11-26-2007, 03:49 PM

Hi-

Dylan is getting ready for another surgery. On Dec. 6 he will be getting a cochlear implant-
I am asking for anyones experiences-

IEP suggestions, pre-op, post-op, rehab after surgery....

I am going tomorrow for his IEP with the school- which has never delt with a cochlear implant; his speech therapist does not even sign...

I am trying to find all the information I can so I can really work on his therapy at home.

He will be getting implanted in Cinn. by Dr.Chew.

Thanks in advance for any information!!
Brittany
________
Half-baked

angelbaby · #2 11-26-2007, 04:08 PM

you might want to post on the charge syndrome list serve, lots of chargers have had it done successfully, but i know it didn't work on some chargers, also, i have heard some surgeries last longer than expected b/c of the way chargers inner ears and nerves are formed. i don't know much more info than that, but good luck, i hope everything goes well.

mom to 4yr old CHargEr, trach, gbutton, fundo

Melisande · #3 11-26-2007, 05:18 PM

Brittany,

You may want to ask Ann about this. Her oldest daughter had cochlear implants. She'll probably see your post.

Ann · #4 11-26-2007, 05:36 PM

Yes - my daughter has had a cochlear implant since she was 5 and she's 17 now. Surgery and recovery were relatively uneventful and it was an outpatient surgery -- however, my daughter doesn't have any other medical issues. One thing I'd offer is that Dylan should be placed in an oral program after he is implanted. He needs intensive auditory and speech therapy to get the maximum benefit of the implant. I have absolutely nothing against sign language, but until he learns to "hear" with the implant, he should be in an oral program only (not a total communication program) - which isn't to say that you shouldn't sign -- only that the school should concentrate on the auditory training/oral skills. Technology has come a long way since my daughter was implanted and I hear the new cochlear implants are amazing devices. Good luck and let me know if you have specific questions.

alizesmom · #5 11-26-2007, 07:07 PM

Good luck on the 6th. Karen

Hannah&Jacobsmommy · #6 11-26-2007, 08:24 PM

Hannah to has a CI, she got it at 15mo. And what Ann said is so true. We are still fighting the schools over here about auditory oral programs.
For us we live in Idaho and now go to Seattle for mappings. They just dont know enough here. Hannah has the freedom by cochlear, she goes and gets mapped every 6mo still. But I think we could go a year now.
Good luck on the 6th
Trina

Hannah&Jacobsmommy · #7 11-26-2007, 08:28 PM

One more thing. Ask the school about getting an FM system. That will help if you can get them started on that now. Hannah just goes one day a week and they are starting the paper work for her.

angelbaby · #8 11-27-2007, 06:18 PM

there is actually some posting on ci on charge list serve recently, you can search old post too, there is a ton of info from other parents on there.