The financial counselor and the cochlear implant team will work with all families to discuss financial issues involved with the children's implant program. After surgical placement of the implant, a four to six week period is required to allow adequate healing of the incision site. During the activation, the device is adjusted and tuned using a computer. As many of the individual electrodes will be programmed as possible. The child's attention span will dictate how much can be accomplished during the activation.
Children respond to the new sound created by cochlear implant with a variety of responses.
Some become scared, while others laugh. Children return for programming every two weeks for the first three months. It is important to the child's success to create an optimal program for the child. Following the first three months, the child will continue to return for programming monthly for the first year. After the first year, it is recommended that programming be completed every six months.