Champions

In the early days of cochlear implantation, a major criterion was that the child should have no additional difficulties.  However, as implant teams have become more experienced, children with complex needs have increasingly been considered, with those who have a severe visual impairment now being prioritised.  It is reported that up to 40% of deaf children are likely to have an additional difficulty, so it is essential that parents and professionals are well informed to give cochlear implantation full consideration. 

‘Champions’ is a booklet & CD aimed specifically at this group; bringing together the collective experiences of experts in the field of both implantation and children with complex needs.  The booklet takes the reader through the stages of assessment, surgery, rehabilitation & life experiences relating to this group and provides many sources of further information.  The package, sponsored by Advanced Bionics, was launched at the recent Deaf-Blind conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London and is available from the Ear Foundation www.earfoundation.org.uk.