Post-Implant Follow-Up Process

Four to Six Weeks after Surgery 

The child will return to the implant center 4-6 weeks following surgery to receive the external equipment and the initial activation of the device. 

Initial Activation (~ 3 hrs)

• Fitting of external equipment
• Initial programming of the speech processor
• Overview of the implant function and accessories
• Registration, warranty, loss and damage insurance information

Two-Week Check (~ 90 min)

• CI Audiogram
• Adjustment and fine tuning of the programs on the speech processor
• Answer questions regarding equipment and use

One-Month Evaluation (~ 90 min) 

• CI Audiogram
• Adjustment and continued revision to the programs on the speech processor
• Suggestions for initial rehabilitation activities to work on at home and/or school

Three-Month Check (~ 2 hrs)

• CI Audiogram
• Speech perception testing in the audio booth
• Adjustment and fine tuning of the programs on the speech processor
• Continued discussion of progress and rehabilitation activities 

Six-Month Evaluation (2-3 hrs)

• CI Audiogram
• Speech perception testing in the audio booth
• Adjustment and continued revision to the programs on the speech processor 
• Continued discussion of progress and rehabilitation activities

Nine-Month Check if Needed (~2hrs)

• CI Audiogram
• Adjustment and fine tuning of the programs on the speech processor 

One-Year Evaluations

• Audiological Evaluation (2-3 hrs)
  • CI Audiogram
  • Speech perception testing in the audio booth
  • Adjustment and continued revision to the programs on the speech processor
• Speech/Language Re-Evaluation (2 hrs)
  • Assessment of speech production skills
  • Assessment of expressive and receptive vocabulary and language skills
  • Review of (re)habilitation progress

On-Going Evaluations 

• Audiological evaluation, speech perception testing, and continued revisions to the programs on the speech processor will occur every 6 months for the first 3-4 years. After that point, they may be done annually. For some individuals, more frequent programming checks of the device may be required.
• Speech/language re-evaluation annually
• Additional evaluations as needed 

Note: This is the standard set of appointments post-implant. Depending on schedules and each child's situation, there may be revision to this schedule.