Referal guide for Health Professionals
If you feel your patient may potentially benefit from a cochlear implant the following criteria can be considered as a general guide:
- They must have a severe to profound bilateral sensori-neural hearing loss. Below is a table that shows the pure tone audiogram thresholds that can be considered for cochlear implantation.
- They should gain little or no benefit from conventional hearing aids.
- Preferably they should have good verbal communication skills. Whilst this is not mandatory, such recipients can expect better outcomes.
- The inner ear must be reasonably well-formed and the cochlear nerve needs to be functioning. In cases where this is unclear, we are usually able to make a reasonable assessment of nerve function prior to cochlear implantation.
- They must be medically suitable to undergo a general anaesthetic and a 2 to 3 hour operation.
- Age is not a precluding factor but cognitive function needs to be such that they have the ability to learn new skills.
- They and their family need to have realistic expectations.
» » Download printable referal form
Referrals should be addressed to either:
Dr Robert Morrissey - or - Dr Paul Varley
C/- SACIC
Level 1, 251 Morphett Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Further information
Should you be uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, our surgeons would be more than happy to discuss individual cases with you.
Dr Robert Morrissey: Phone: 08 8223 4377 - or - Email.
Dr Paul Varley: Phone: 08 8363 0677 - or - Email.
The initial assessment process is not a commitment from either the patient or our cochlear implant team to proceed. Rather it is an information gathering exercise for all involved.