“Providing an auditory rehabilitation program, including cochlear implants for children and adults with severe to profound hearing loss.”

Mater 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 ENT surgeons, audiologists, a liaison nurse, speech pathologists, a social worker and an occupational therapist. The team can draw on other services within Mater as needed.

MCIC has links with support groups such as Better Hearing Australia, CICADA and Deaf Children Australia. We also work closely with other early intervention services and schools across Brisbane.

What is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a hearing device that has an implanted stimulator/receiver and with an electrode array of 22 electrodes within the cochlear. An externally worn speech processor sends signals to the electrode array. The implanted electrode array stimulates the hearing nerve within the inner ear and provides the sensation of sound.
Cochlear implants provide awareness of environmental sound and are an aid to lipreading.

Wearing a hearing aid or cochlear implant will not resolve the problems caused by hearing loss.

What Does an Implant Sound Like?

• Cochlear implants do not 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.
• People who have had hearing and then receive a cochlear implant report that it sounds like listening to Donald Duck or computer generated speech. Most adapt quickly to the new sound.

Who May Benefit from an Implant?

Children and adults of any age who have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears can benefit from a cochlear implant. If a child has been born with this type of hearing loss, a cochlear implant may aid the understanding and use of spoken language.

When Should Parents Contact MCIC?

• Parents of children who are born with a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears or who lose their hearing should be referred as soon as a diagnosis has been made.
• This does not mean that the child would be implanted immediately, but that the assessment 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 clinic 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 in both ears, who get little or no benefit from modern, well-fitted hearing aids, can be referred.

What Happens Next?

• After your referral is received, you will be sent an appointment to meet members of the team who will be working with you or your child. We will explain more about implants and our services and begin the assessment. Family members and friends are welcome to attend.
• Adults who are suitable for a cochlear implant may then be placed on a waiting list before the full assessment can commence.
• 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.
• Following implantation an extensive rehabilitation program is required after the surgery.

What is the Cost?

Public funding is available and this covers the complete cost of implantations, programming and rehabilitation. You can also choose to use your private health insurance for the surgery and remain under the public system for some aspects of the rehabilitation. You will need to see a private ENT surgeon to discuss your options. You may need to pay for your batteries, spare parts and repairs if you have private surgery.

Is There a Waiting List?

There is no waiting list for children. As public funding is limited there is a waiting list for adults 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/- MCIC
Audiology Department
Mater Hospital
Raymond Tce
South Brisbane Qld 4101
Phone: +61 7 3613 8685

What People Say About MCIC

“The team at Mater clinic is very good and they give the department a warm family atmosphere, which is especially rewarding for those from outside the metropolitan area.” Adult cochlear implant user.

“Overall, Mater has been great.” Mother of implanted child.

How Do I Find Out More Information?

Contact MCIC at the address below for an information pack and further information.

MCIC
Audiology Dpt
Raymond Tce
South Brisbane Qld 4101
Phone: +61 7 3613 8685
Fax: +61 7 3613 1509
TTY: +61 7 3613 8039

CICADA

The Cochlear Implant Club and Advisory Association (CICADA) Queensland, is a not-for-profit organisation that assists people with information about cochlear implants and also helps them after they have had surgery. CICADA can be contacted at the following address.

Shirley Edwards
Secretary/Editor
CICADA Queensland
Fax: +61 7 3824 5003
SMS: 0434 255 148
E-mail mistylee@hotkey.net.au