The Dallas Cochlear Implant Program (DCIP) evaluates children using a best practice, interdisciplinary approach. Children receive hearing evaluations, speech-language evaluations, medical evaluations, and other services as needed. CI Candidacy evaluations are completed at Children’s Medical Center Dallas and Legacy Campuses.
Information is also gathered from the child’s physicians, current teachers and/or speech-language pathologists. The purpose of these evaluations is to determine if a child is a candidate for a cochlear implant and to provide the family with information about the benefits a cochlear implant might provide the child.
Audiology Evaluation
Speech-Language Evaluation
Medical Evaluation
Psychological Evaluation
Social Work Consultationn
Family Meeting/Device Selection
Hearing testing is completed to determine if the child’s hearing qualifies him/her as a candidate for a cochlear implant. Unaided (without hearing aids) and aided testing (with hearing aids) is conducted, as well as testing to evaluate if the child is able to understand any sounds or speech he/she may be able to hear. This evaluation typically requires more than one appointment for young children.
An evaluation of the child’s communication skills is conducted in order to determine
A medical evaluation, including an MRI, is completed.
Children may also be referred for other testing if needed.
A basic behavioral assessment is completed on each child.
Additional resources may be provided depending on the family’s needs.
Family Meeting and Device Selection
A family meeting is scheduled with all team members to discuss if the child is a candidate for a cochlear implant, test results and the potential benefits of having a cochlear implant.
To schedule an appointment for a cochlear implant candidacy evaluation, please call 214-905-3077.
