While cochlear implants can significantly improve hearing and communication abilities for both children and adults, there are certain considerations and potential downsides to getting a cochlear implant in childhood as compared to adulthood:
Surgical Risks: The cochlear implant surgery is generally safe, but it still carries some risks, such as infection, damage to the facial nerve, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. These risks exist for both children and adults, but parents must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of surgery for their child.
Anesthesia: Children undergoing cochlear implant surgery will need general anesthesia, which comes with its own set of risks, including adverse reactions and complications.
Language Development: For children who are born deaf or experience severe hearing loss early in life, the optimal time for language development is during the critical period of language acquisition in early childhood. While cochlear implants can improve hearing and speech abilities, they might not fully restore "normal" hearing, and some language developmental delays may already be present when the implant is introduced later in childhood.
Adjustment and Rehabilitation: Young children may face challenges in adjusting to the new sensory input provided by the cochlear implant. They will need ongoing rehabilitation and auditory training to learn how to interpret and understand the sounds they are hearing through the device.
Social and Emotional Considerations: Children with cochlear implants may experience feelings of being different from their peers, especially if they attend mainstream schools where they may be one of the few or the only one with a hearing device. This can impact their self-esteem and social interactions.
Technology Improvements: Cochlear implant technology is constantly evolving, and devices implanted in childhood may not have access to the latest advancements that could have been available if the procedure was done later in life.
Informed Decision-making: Children are not capable of making medical decisions for themselves, so the decision to get a cochlear implant will rest with their parents or legal guardians. This places a significant responsibility on parents to understand the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of the surgery on behalf of their child.
It's essential to note that despite these considerations, cochlear implants have been transformative for many children with severe hearing loss, allowing them to communicate effectively and participate more fully in social and educational environments. The decision to pursue a cochlear implant for a child should be made in consultation with medical professionals and should consider the individual child's specific needs and circumstances.