Introduction

Abstract

I Selected Topics of Interest: 1991 Introduction 1. Educational Management of Children With Cochlear Implants 2. The Development of a Children's Implant Profile 3. Audiological and Medical Considerations for Children With Cochlear Implants Selected Topics of Interest: 1991 INTRODUCTION On June 27, 1990, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of cochlear implants for children with profound hearing loss, both prelingual and postlingual. With this release has come the probability that more children with cochlear implants will be enrolled in schools and classes for the deaf and that many more families will be exploring the possibility for their own children. This, in turn, creates an immediate need for professionals dealing with deaf children to have as much accurate and objective information as possible on cochlear implantation. To assist in meetingthis need, the editorshave selected CocÄ/ear Implants in Children as the topic of interest for 1991. Included are three articles providing insight on different but overlapping parameters of the implant process—educational management , evaluation protocols, and audiological/medical considerations. These articles are presented not in advocacy of cochlear implants but as information for those who either are considering implants for themselves or are working with children and adults who have an interest in this area. As the articles state, cochlear implants may be of clear benefit to some deaf children and adults, but of questionable value to others. Both the benefits and the concerns are discussed in these articles. In addition, the editors would like to alert readers to the fact that there are alternative viewpoints on cochlear implants for children. An example can be found in a recently published position paper on "Cochlear Implants in Children" (NAD Broadcaster, 13, 3). William N. Craig and Helen B. Craig Editors, Reference Issue The "Selected Topics of Interest" was initiated as a section of the Annals Reference Issue in April 1974 as a means of providing additional statistical and reference-type data on current focal concerns. An index of articles published from 1974 to 1984 is provided in the April 1984 Reference Issue. 68 AADIBEFERENCE1991 Vol. 136, No. 2 ...