Yes, re-implantation is almost always possible. It may take time for the child to return to his or her previous level of hearing. With time, results have been reported to be as good as or better than the previous device. An older implant is never removed/replaced if it is still working unless there is a decline in performance. The cochlear implant manufacturers release new external equipment periodically. If it is not immediately compatible with your implant, the manufacturer will work to make it compatible within a few years.