Knowledge check

Question 1

What do cochlear implant users describe the sound as initially following switch on?

	Like normal hearing just a bit low pitched at first
	High pitched and squeaky
	I can hearing everything including music and speech in noise with no difficulty

Question 2

Who is suitable for a cochlear implant?

	Permanent sensorineural hearing loss with unaided thresholds greater than 90dBHL at 2 and 4KHz
	Permanent sensorineural hearing loss with aided thresholds averaging 50dBHL or greater at 500-4000Hz
	Permanent or temporary hearing loss with aided thresholds greater than 50dBHL at 2,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz
	Permanent sensorineural hearing loss with unaided thresholds greater than 80dBHL at 2 or more frequencies (500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz)

Question 3

How long does it take to get used to a cochlear implant?

	Most patients acclimatise within a few hours, but some can take longer
	With lots of practise most patients acclimatise within a few weeks
	There is a big variation in this and outcomes can vary depending on the cause of deafness and hearing history

Question 4

What is a cochlear implant?

	An electronic medical device that replaces the function of a damaged inner ear.
	An electronic medical device that makes sounds louder.
	A mechanical device which amplifies sound using the inner ear (the cochlea).

Question 5

Who is now eligible for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implants under NICE guidance?

	This is available to blind or visually impaired children and adults
	This is available to all children and adults since NICE was published in January 2009
	This is available to all children; and adults who are blind or have a disability that increases reliance on audition

The University of Southampton