What we do
The Cochlear Implant Program began at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in 1990. Over 500 children with profound sensorineural hearing loss have received cochlear implants at SickKids. In recent years, our implant program has expanded to meet the increased need for paediatric cochlear implantation. We currently implant over 70 children annually. At present, we use the Nucleus Freedom device (Cochlear Corporation) in every child, but children with other devices may be followed at our centre.
The cochlear implant team consists of a paediatric otolaryngologist, five audiologists, two auditory-verbal therapists/habilitationists, a speech language pathologist, a clinic nurse, a social worker, a PhD research audiologist, and an administrative assistant. We have a close association with the Auditory Science Laboratory at Sick Kids. This laboratory conducts research on plasticity and development of the auditory system. We have also developed a facility to explore psychoacoustics (the science of how people interpret sound) in children with cochlear implants.
A History of the Cochlear Implant Program at SickKids
For information on our candidacy criteria and how to apply to the program:
Criteria for Implantation
How to apply
For information on the assessment process:
For information on post-implant appointments:
Turning the implant on
Appointments after surgery
For information about the Cochlear Implant Program:
Program News
Upcoming Events