UNC School of Medicine
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Evaluation Process
The purpose of the CI evaluation process is to:
- Determine CI candidacy
- Provide information to the family
- Answer questions
- Make recommendations
The Evaluation process consists of:
- At least three audiology appointments to:
- Obtain medical and educational history
- Determine child’s hearing status with and without hearing aids
- Determine child’s ability to understand speech with hearing aids
- Provide information to family about hearing, hearing loss and cochlear implants
- Discuss parent’s perception of and goals for the child
- A speech and language evaluation to:
- Document child’s communication abilities
- Provide information on speech and language development
- Acquire information about child’s current educational situation and offer support as needed
- At least two physician visits to:
- Determine medical candidacy for a cochlear implant
- Investigate cause of hearing loss (genetic testing, MRI or CT scan)
- Discuss the surgical aspects and risks involved in surgery