We are now living through a period of transition. The first cochlear implant was approved in 1985. From week to week and month to month, we now see improvement and changes. Individuals who have cochlear implants all have different expectations and needs. Some adults want to be able to hear their children or to communicate better at work.
Parents also have different expectations and needs for their deaf children.
It is important for the cochlear implant team to have many people working together. A strong family support system is also an important part of the team. On the first visit with the medical staff, questions are asked about how and when the person's hearing was lost, other symptoms that might have been experienced, use of hearing aids, how the person communicates, and many other things. At University of Virginia, a key question asked is about use of the telephone. If a person is no longer able to easily use the telephone it is important because it means their world has become much smaller.