Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at Hasbro Children's

Compassionate, Family-Centered Care for Children with Significant Hearing Loss 

Our pediatric cochlear implant team is dedicated to supporting children with moderate to profound hearing loss and helping families navigate the complex—but hopeful—journey of hearing intervention. We understand that the decision-making process can feel overwhelming, and that’s why we take a family-centered approach—educating, guiding, and supporting you every step of the way.

Guiding Families with Expertise and Empathy

Our team of experienced audiologists partners closely with families to explore all available options. We take time to: 

• Fully explain the cochlear implant process
• Discuss how a cochlear implant can support your child’s communication development
• Ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your decisions 

We believe that a well-supported family is key to a child’s success, and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care from day one.

Collaborative Medical and Surgical Care

The pre-implant medical evaluation and surgical placement of the cochlear implant are performed by ENT physicians affiliated with Brown University Health. Our audiologists and ENT team collaborate closely to provide seamless, coordinated care throughout the cochlear implant process. 

After surgery, your child’s implant activation, programming, and ongoing monitoring are handled by our pediatric audiologists to ensure optimal hearing outcomes.

When is a child eligible for a cochlear implant?

For infants with significant hearing loss, timely intervention is critical. National guidelines recommend cochlear implant surgery be performed by 12 months of age (and as early as 9 months of age) whenever possible. However, this recommendation may change based on your child’s specific clinical profile. To meet this goal: 

• Families should establish care with both an audiologist and ENT provider who works with cochlear implants as early as possible
• The pre-implant process includes several important tests and evaluations to determine candidacy and ensure best practices are followed
• Ideally, pre-surgical testing will be performed at our clinic to ensure reliability of results

Our team builds strong relationships with each family to tailor recommendations and care to your child’s unique needs.

What if my child is not a candidate for a cochlear implant?

If your child is not a candidate for a cochlear implant following evaluation, you may choose to:

• Continue hearing aid care with our clinic, or
• Return to your original audiology provider with full documentation and support 

Either way, we remain committed to ensuring your child receives appropriate monitoring, support, and care moving forward. 

What is the first step to getting my child a cochlear implant?

Before pursuing cochlear implantation, patients are required to see both an ENT provider and an audiologist (at a minimum). Our team also works closely with professionals in genetics, early intervention, educational audiology, and psychology to support all aspects of your child’s care. 

Together, we strive to provide families with the expertise, resources, and compassionate care needed throughout the cochlear implant journey.