Assessments for a Cochlear Implant - Auditory Implant Service

People who may be suitable for a cochlear implant can be referred into our service by their Audiologist, ENT consultant or GP. They will then have an assessment carried out by a multi-disciplinary team at the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service. The team is made up of a range of professionals including ENT Consultants, Audiologists, Hearing Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Teachers of the Deaf, Educational Audiologists, and Psychologists.

The assessment process involves several appointments and is tailored to the individual’s needs. The process allows us to find out information about the patient and their hearing loss to enable us to assess whether they may be suitable for a cochlear implant. It is also an opportunity for the patient to get to know our service and find out all they need to know about cochlear implants. As part of the assessment process, patients have the opportunity to meet other people who have cochlear implants and find out about their experiences.

To be a candidate for a cochlear implant, patients must meet the criteria set out in the national NICE guidance. At the end of the assessment process the team will get together to discuss whether the candidate is likely to benefit from a cochlear implant(s). If the patient is likely to benefit and meets the NICE guidelines, then funding will be routinely given by NHS England. Following this the patient will be added to the waiting list for surgery.

NICE TAG 566 Guidelines

If the patient is not in criteria for NHS funding, but can still benefit from a cochlear implant, then they can access our Self-funded cochlear implant pathway if they wish to

Self-funded cochlear implant pathway.

Click on the links below to get an idea of the assessment pathway for adults as well as children and young people.