[Cochlear implantation: a changing indication]

Abstract

In recent years the indication criteria for cochlear implantation (CI) have changed. To gain optimal benefits, early implantation in prelingually deaf children is necessary. Even additional disabilities are no longer contraindications for CI. Nowadays the criteria for implantation not only include deafness but also residual hearing. Combined electric-acoustic stimulation has been established as a treatment option in patients with hearing still functioning in the low frequencies. Due to the benefits of binaural hearing, bilateral CI has become standard over the last decade. Recent experience has shown the benefits of CI in unilateral deafness and in cases of severe tinnitus. The actual benefit of CI shows great inter-individual differences. We usually expect (re-)habilitation of language communication skills with implantation.