Once a patient is referred to the programme an extensive assessment programme is undertaken to establish whether a cochlear implant would be a suitable treatment. This assessment programme includes a trial of the most powerful hearing aid devices as well as audiological, radiological, psychological, language and general medical assessments being undertaken. The assessment programme takes about six months to complete and includes counselling and support so that patient and family have realistic expectations from surgery. There are 33 patients implanted to date and seven operations planned per year. All patients have had a successful outcome.
All patients use their implant daily.
There are no non-users. After surgery this programme provides a long period of rehabilitation with open access for implantees. There is a lifetime commitment to recipients of a cochlear implant as well as provision of support and counselling for those unsuitable for implantation.