Programming, Care, and Troubleshooting of Cochlear Implants for Children

The proper programming, care, and maintenance ocochlear implants take on added importance when the users are young children. Children may not be able to communicate adequately with caregivers when the device is not functioning properly. As such, it is imperative that educators, interpreters, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals working with children who have cochlear implants in educational settings become familiar and comfortable with the devices and learn to recognize problems. This knowledge can lead to fewer and shorter periods of time when a child is without hearing during critical educational periods. Speech processing strategies, daily maintenance, and more detailed troubleshooting techniques are reviewed.