Cochlear Implants

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can help improve the hearing of adults and children with severe, irreversible hearing loss. Although a cochlear implant does not restore normal hearing, it can allow a person to hear and understand more speech than was possible with a hearing aid.

For a child, this could mean an opportunity to develop listening and speech skills and the potential to attend school with hearing peers. For adults, a cochlear implant could reduce social isolation and improve communication. To learn more about cochlear implants, how they work, how patients are evaluated for the device and what to expect from the surgery, please see some common questions and answers.

The Douglas Grant Cochlear Implant Center at UCSF Medical Center has been involved in the development and design of cochlear implant systems for over 30 years. Our team includes experienced audiologists, surgeons, psychologists and others who are dedicated to the care of patients with hearing loss, including follow up after surgery. We emphasize working as partners with the families of our patients and collaborating with schools, teachers, therapists and other health care providers.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 14, 2007