Our Cochlear Implant Team

Much of what makes the cochlear implant program at Comer Children’s Hospital special is the multidisciplinary team. The individuals within each discipline are deeply caring and highly qualified. Together they bring great depth and breadth to the program.

Surgeon

The surgeon "orchestrates" the entire cochlear implant process, working closely with your child and family as well as with each member of the multidisciplinary team from diagnosis, to decision, to surgery and throughout follow up.

Audiologist

The audiologist plays a key role in evaluating your child’s hearing initially. If your child receives a cochlear implant, the audiologist programs the sound processor to your child’s unique needs. She plays a key, long-term role in helping your child develop and progress with aural communication skills. She is your greatest resource!

Speech therapist

The speech therapist evaluates your child’s speech and language as appropriate for his/her age with major input from parents and specialized testing. She teaches you how to provide therapy to your child.

Child Life Specialist

The child life specialist has the skills to help minimize anxiety in both your child and your family and to prepare you for what to expect on the day of the surgery.

Educational Liaison

The educational liaison explains hearing loss and cochlear implant to your child’s class and teacher when your child returns to school with an activated cochlear implant.

Social Worker

The social worker determines where your family’s greatest needs lie and helps your family move through the surgery and its aftermath as smoothly and effectively as possible.

Developmental Pediatrician

The developmental pediatrician evaluates how your child is progressing developmentally, if needed.

Psychologist

The psychologist serves as a resource for other team members who can, if necessary, refer your child and help you manage your own concerns.

Geneticist

The geneticist is able to identify any genetic factors in your child’s hearing loss.

Parents

You play the most important role in helping your child achieve success with the cochlear implant, providing appropriate therapy at home, getting your child to follow up appointments as needed, and working with the multidisciplinary team to see that your child receives the support needed in school.

More Information

» Introduction
» About Cochlear Implants
» Cochlear Implant Process
» Our Team
» Our Locations
» Contact the Director