Mater Cochlear Implant Clinic
"Providing an auditory rehabilitation program, including cochlear implants for children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss.”
Mater's Cochlear Implant Clinic (MCIC) consists of a team of professionals who will work with you and your family to achieve the best communication outcome possible. For some people this will include fitting of a cochlear implant.
The team includes an ENT surgeon, audiologist, speech pathologist, social worker and occupational therapist and can draw on the other services within Mater as needed.
We offer group sessions on “Living with Hearing Loss” and “Communication Skills” for people with hearing loss and their families, as well as individual auditory rehabilitation.
MCIC has links with support groups such as Better Hearing Australia, CICADA and Deaf Services QLD, as well as an employment program coordinated through Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services.
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a hearing device that has an implanted stimulator/receiver and an electrode array of 22 electrodes. An externally worn speech processor sends signals to the electrode array. The implanted electrodes array stimulates the hearing nerve inside the inner ear and provides the sensation of sound.
What does an implant sound like?
- Cochlear implants do no sound the same as normal hearing, however, children implanted at a young age and most adults can learn to make sense of the sound provided.
- Cochlear implants provide awareness of environmental sound and are an aid to lipreading.
- Wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant will not resolve all the problems caused by having a hearing loss.
Who may benefit from an implant?
Children and adults who cannot follow normal conversation in a quiet environment with a properly fitted hearing aid.
When should parents contact MCIC?
- Parents of children who are born with a severe to profound hearing loss or who lose their hearing should be referred as soon as a diagnosis has been made.
- This does not mean that the child will be implanted immediately, but that the exploration process can be started as soon as possible. Parents then have plenty of time to learn about their options and make an informed decision.
- The clinicians in the implant program work closely with the child's parents, teachers, audiologist and speech pathologist to determine whether or not the child could benefit from a cochlear implant.
- The final decision to proceed, if an implant would be of possible benefit, rests with the child's parents.
When should an adult contact MCIC?
Any adult with a severe or profound hearing loss who is unsatisfied with their current communication and hearing can be referred.
What happens next?
- After your referral is received, you will be offered an appointment with an audiologist specialising in cochlear implants. The audiologist will perform a screening test to determine if you would benefit from a more comprehansive assessment with the cochlear implant team. You will also have the opportunity to find out more about implant technology and our services. Family members and friends are welcome to attend.
- If you decide to proceed, a series of appointments will be needed to complete a comprehensive audiological and psychosocial assessment and to discuss the available options, including cochlear implants.
- If you choose to have a cochlear implant, an extensive rehabilitation program is required after surgery.
What is the cost?
Public funding is available which covers the complete cost of implantations, programming and rehabilitation.
Is there a waiting list?
As public funding is limited there is a waiting list which varies in length.
How do I arrange an appointment?
A medical referral is required. It should be addressed to:
Dr Chris Que Hee or Dr Anthony Parker
C/- MARCIS
Audiology Department
Mater Hospital
Raymond Tece
South Brisbane Q 4101
How do I find out more information?
If you would like more information, please contact the Mater Cochlear Implant Clinic on:
Telephone: 07 3163 8743
Fax: 07 3163 1509
Email: margaret.brannigan@mater.org.au