Nationally recognized: The Children’s Wisconsin Koss Cochlear Implant Program is the biggest cochlear implant program in Wisconsin. It is known across the country for its strong care, research studies and work to improve cochlear implants. The program is a team effort with  Froedtert Hospital and  The Medical College of Wisconsin.

Large, multidisciplinary team: We have more than a dozen board-certified specialists who provide comprehensive pediatric ENT care at multiple locations. Our physicians participate and lead in many specialized multidisciplinary programs at Children’s Wisconsin.

For your child’s first appointment, our team will start by learning more about your family and reviewing any past hearing test results. Once we have all the needed information, we will set up appointments with the right specialist.

A full evaluation may include some or all of the following steps:

Hearing (audiological) evaluation

This appointment usually takes about three hours. If your child is young and has trouble sitting still for that long, we may schedule more than one visit. During this time, our audiologists will:

• Test each ear with and without hearing aids
• Check how well your child understands speech using only hearing aids
• Talk with you about the test results and whether a cochlear implant might help

Speech and language evaluation

This appointment also takes about three hours. A speech-language pathologist will check your child’s communication skills and suggest ways to help them get better. After the visit, we will send a report with the results and any recommendations to you, your child’s school and other medical providers.

CT scan or MRI 

These scans show pictures of your child’s inner ear (cochlea), hearing nerve and brain. They help the surgeon decide if a cochlear implant is possible.

Ear, Nose and Throat (otological) evaluation

A special ear surgeon (neurotologist) will talk to you about the CT or MRI results and whether your child is a good candidate for cochlear implant. The surgeon will also explain the surgery and answer any questions you may have.

Psychological evaluation 

A child psychologist will check how your child learns and whether a cochlear implant is a good emotional and mental fit. This visit usually takes two to three hours and happens at the Center for Child Development at Children’s Wisconsin.

Choosing a device

If you are interested, an audiologist will go over the different cochlear implant devices with you and your child. This visit takes about two hours and might be scheduled during one of the hearing appointments

What to expect after the implant

Throughout the whole process, we will explain what results you can expect after the surgery. We’ll keep you updated and give and answer any questions you may have.