Keywords: Cochlear implant, deafness, profound sensorioneural hearing impairment

Abstract: The Multichannel Cochlear Implant has been considered in last years as a highly beneficial and effective alternative for rehabilitation of children with profound hearing impairment. Criteria for selection adopted by Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas (C.P.A.), Hospital de Pesquisa e Reabilitação de Lesões Lábio-Palatais da Universidade de São Paulo (HPRLLP-USP), for evaluation of candidates to Multichannel Cochlear Implants are presented in this report. Many children with profound seusorioneural hearing impairment obtain benefits from the use of Cochlear Implants, but the surgical indication is made real after a detailed and iudicious evaluation process of the child hearing ability with and without sound amplification device of his/her general state, and also of his/her family. The come of cochlear implants in children depends on several factors, but it should be emphasized that a detailed and carefull evaluation of the patients hearing abilities with and without sound amplification devices are essential, as well as family support . In addition, local facilities and tecknical suppon should be provided to every implanted child. At present time, 16 children are beeing followed up in the C.P.A.