Services
At the Chaleur Regional Hospital, we offer:
- Assessment for people who wish to receive a cochlear implant;
- Activation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of implants;
- Hearing rehabilitation for people with implants;
- Regular follow-up for people with implants;
- Coordination of care with cochlear implant centres outside the province.
The surgery to insert an implant must be done outside the province at one of the following locations:
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Quebec City, Quebec
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Ottawa, Toronto or London, Ontario
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta
- Vancouver, British Columbia
Assessing candidates
To receive a cochlear implant, a very detailed assessment must take place before an out-of-province surgeon is consulted.
Our audiologists:
- Prepare a detailed file;
- Assess hearing, hearing aid performance, and hearing skills with hearing aids;
- Assess candidates’ motivation and expectations.
The attending physician:
- Completes the medical assessment (detailed medical histories, ear examination [CT or MRI] as needed).
The assessment may also involve a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and social worker.
In some cases, the results of a full assessment indicate that a cochlear implant is not appropriate. When this happens, the audiologist recommends other solutions and guides clients toward the appropriate resources.
When a candidate is accepted and wishes to meet with a surgeon, the audiologist supplies the information required for the subsequent steps:
- A detailed description and advice on choosing an implant manufacturer;
- A list of the vaccines required before the surgery (supplied to the client and the attending physician).
The audiologist coordinates the subsequent steps with the surgical centres outside the province.
Implant activation and initial programming
One month after the surgery, the client receives the external part, and the implant is stimulated for the first time. A number of meetings with the audiologist are necessary to program and adjust the implant. At a minimum, visits are planned to activate the implant as well as one week, two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and one year after activation. Additional visits are often required depending on the client’s needs.
Hearing rehabilitation
Depending on the client’s availability and interest, additional hearing rehabilitation sessions may also be offered. During these sessions, the audiologist may recommend hearing training activities, provide more in-depth information on the equipment and various accessories, explore the possibility of bimodal hearing (cochlear implant in one ear and hearing aid in the other), demonstrate and recommend assistive listening devices, discuss communication strategies, etc.
Rooms may be reserved at the Pavillon United Commercial Travellers, located near the hospital, for stays over one day.
Verification, maintenance, troubleshooting, and loaning of equipment
We have a bank of equipment that can be loaned as needed. Our rehabilitation assistant coordinates requests for repairs, exchanges, or purchases with various manufacturers. She notifies clients when their initial guarantee comes to an end and may participate in the process of renewing a guarantee.
Regular follow-up (at least once a year)
With a cochlear implant, it’s important to have the processor and programming checked at least once a year so you get the best possible performance and prevent problems.
How much does a cochlear implant cost?
The initial assessment, the operation, and the initial equipment are covered by New Brunswick Medicare. Travel and accommodation expenses for the appointments related to a cochlear implant are not covered.
The equipment is covered by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. During this period, most components of the processor will be replaced free of charge if they stop working correctly. Some parts are not covered by the same warranty, and your audiologist will give you further information at the appropriate time.
After the initial three-year period, the patient is responsible for maintaining and replacing the equipment. A manufacturer’s extended warranty may be purchased. You will be advised when you have the option to purchase the extended warranty.
Financial assistance with equipment maintenance costs for low-income people
We have a financial assistance program for people who cannot pay for the extended warranty, accessories, or repairs. When the time comes, your audiologist or rehabilitation assistant can give you further information about this.
Consulting with other professionals who are participating in care or teaching a client or family
Professionals must communicate among themselves to provide more effective care and fully meet a client’s needs.
Coordinating care with cochlear implant centres outside the province
It is sometimes necessary to contact the centre that did a client’s surgery so that medical aspects of the surgery or complications can be managed.
