The benefits of early cochlear implantation in children: an evidence-informed reference guide for the pediatric care team
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BackgroundCaregivers of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) report difficulty obtaining objective guidance on successful treatment pathways. Pediatric medical providers should serve as an important resource for caregivers. Unfortunately, few easily accessible, evidence-based resources exist to help guide conversations with families. A hearing healthcare expert-led, evidence-informed consensus process generated a reference to inform providers caring for DHH pediatric patients about the benefits of early intervention through cochlear implantation.MethodSubject matter experts across multiple disciplines in pediatric hearing healthcare engaged in an evidence-based consensus process. Literature review and evidence-based statements were curated across three content areas: 1) medical considerations (e.g., safety and efficacy), 2) objective and subjective benefits, and 3) developmental outcomes and expectations. Participants employed a modified Delphi process to evaluate and refine consensus statements.ResultsTwenty-nine statements were proposed for initial consensus voting. Twenty-seven statements reached consensus, and two “brink statements” approached consensus but were ultimately excluded. Twenty-five statements were thematically categorized into four topic areas: 1) candidacy, 2) expected outcomes, 3) facilitators and accelerators, and 4) medical and safety considerations. Summary statements were created for each of the four topic categories.ConclusionsEvidence-based statements created via a multidisciplinary, expert-driven consensus process can educate pediatric providers regarding the benefits of early cochlear implantation as an option for the management of pediatric hearing loss. This information should be used to assist pediatric healthcare management teams - particularly pediatricians, as the first and most frequent touch point for DHH children – in shared decision-making with families.
Authors: Ursula M. Findlen, Andrea Warner-Czyz, Caitlin Sapp, Heather Grantham, Ivette Cejas, Jamie Cadieux, Carrie Spangler, Lindy Powell, Sara Neumann, Carol Flexer, Hannah Eskridge, Lisa Park, Jace Wolfe, Karen Munoz, Debra Schrader, Nancy Mellon, James Seeser, Teresa Caraway, Cedric Pritchett, Robert Macielak, Daniel M. Zeitler
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,050
OpenAlex ID: W7153110168