This SIG 9 activity explores pediatric cochlear implantation through three articles. The first is a retrospective review of 103 cases in Central Florida (2014–2023) showing that family structure, household composition, and race significantly affect the timing of cochlear implant (CI) presentation and implantation. The next article is a case study of a child with X-linked deafness type 2 revealing poor CI outcomes linked to genetic variants, highlighting the need for genetic evaluation, early intervention, and equitable access to care. The final article is a retrospective analysis of a vestibular screening program for pediatric CI patients indicating that cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) are a practical preimplantation tool, though post-implantation monitoring faces challenges and may require a multifaceted approach for comprehensive assessment.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• identify disparities in timing to presentation and implantation in a pediatric cochlear implant program
• assess the appropriateness and timing cochlear implantation with an analytical perspective that considers the child’s hearing responses (with a hearing aid) and the likelihood of a genetic condition
• apply the evidence regarding vestibular and balance dysfunction in children with cochlear implants

Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

Articles in This Course

1. The Effect of Family Structure on the Cochlear Implant Experience of Children by Ariana S. Johnson, Megan Nelson, Linda I. Rosa Lugo, Timothy Maul, and Cedric V. Pritchett, published in SIG 9, Volume 10, Issue 3, June 2025
2. X-Linked Deafness Type 2 and Poor Response to Cochlear Implantation: A Case Report by Juan Sebastián Botero-Meneses, Maria Daniela Olaya-Galindo, Irma Carvajalino-Monje, and Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez, published in SIG 9, Volume 10, Issue 2, April 2025
3. Vestibular Function Monitoring in a Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program by Steven M. Doettl, John P. Little, Patrick N. Plyler, Connor Davis, Allison Anderson, Matthew Little, and John G. Little, published in SIG 9, Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2024