Cochlear implant
Last updated
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that stimulates the hearing nerve directly, giving access to sound for many people with severe hearing loss.
Topic: Vision and hearing
In plain terms
It has an internal part, placed during surgery, and an external sound processor worn behind the ear or on the head. Hearing with an implant is different from typical hearing, and learning to use it takes listening practice. IDEA does not require schools to maintain or replace the implanted part, but schools must check that the external components work properly.
How it shows up in an IEP
IEPs may include daily equipment checks, listening goals following an auditory skills hierarchy, and accommodations like seating and a remote microphone.
Example
A kindergartner with a cochlear implant has a goal to identify 10 familiar words by listening alone, with a daily check that the processor is on and working.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.113(b), 34 CFR §300.34(b).
Related terms
- Hearing aidA hearing aid is a small, worn device that makes sounds louder and clearer for a person with hearing loss.
- Auditory skills hierarchyThe auditory skills hierarchy is the sequence of listening skills, from detecting sound to understanding speech, used to teach and track listening development.
- Remote microphone system (FM or DM)A remote microphone system sends a teacher's voice wirelessly to a student's hearing devices or a speaker, making speech clearer over distance and noise.
- Hearing impairmentUnder IDEA, hearing impairment is a permanent or fluctuating hearing loss, not severe enough to be deafness, that adversely affects educational performance.
- Ling Six Sound checkThe Ling Six Sound check is a quick listening test using six speech sounds to confirm a student can hear across low to high pitches.
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