Special Populations in Implantable Auditory Devices: Developmentally Challenged and Additional Disabilities.

ABSTRACT

Children with hearing loss and additional disabilities can benefit from cochlear implants and other implantable auditory devices. Although each individual child must be evaluated, and families uniquely counseled on goals and realistic expectations, overall many gains and benefits are possible in this population. In this article, an overview of the considerations for this group is discussed and outcomes are reviewed, including auditory and speech measures as well as benefits in other skills and quality of life.