Cochlear implant surgery is a crucial intervention for babies diagnosed on time with newborn hearing screening, who experience bilateral severe or complete congenital hearing loss. This procedure enables these infants to develop into productive individuals with the ability to achieve normal hearing and speech. However, it is essential to emphasize the importance of ongoing patient follow-up by the ENT and audiology departments to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The timing of cochlear implant surgery

The timing of cochlear implant placement in infants with near-total hearing loss is of utmost significance. Any delays in diagnosis or surgery can have a detrimental impact on the potential success of speech development. While it is possible to achieve normal speech up to the age of 2, babies who are older than 2 years of age may experience speech delays. Furthermore, as the child grows older, the outcomes achieved with delayed intervention tend to worsen. It is important to note that children who have not been able to hear until the age of 4 years are unlikely to attain normal speech development.