Children who meet the criteria approved by the FDA and are medically healthy for surgery are candidates for a cochlear implant. Children with inner ear abnormality (for example, Michel malformation in which the cochlea does not develop or complete absence of the cochlear nerve) cannot receive cochlear implants. Certain conditions may disqualify some children from eligibility. Learn more about eligibility for pediatric cochlear implants at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital.