Related Services: Cochlear Implants

Students may come to school with a surgically implanted device such as a insulin pump, baclofen pump, pacemaker, G-tube - or a cochlear implant. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) spells out what schools are responsible for doing when students arrive with these devices, and specifically describes what schools need to do to support students with cochlear implants.

What is the school responsible for doing?

• Checking to make sure the cochlear implant is switched on and working, the same way the school would check to make sure a hearing aid is switched on and working.
• Providing other support services the child needs that have been determined through the IEP processm such as FM systems; educational interpreting services; and related services such as speech-language services that the child needs to benefit from special education.

How can teachers and other school professionals support students with cochlear implants?

• Learn how to check the externally worn speech processor to make sure it is turned on, the volume and sensitivity settings are correct, and the cable is connected,  the same way manner they learn how to make sure a hearing aid is working properly.
  
• Monitor the child and note when the child seems not to be responding to sound the same way or develops new communication difficulties. This may mean the cochlear implant needs to be remapped, and the school staff member should communicate that information.

What are schools not responsible for doing in relation to cochlear implants?

• Doing anything that requires the expertise of a licensed physician or an individual with specialized technical expertise beyond that typically available from school personnel.
• Optimizing, maintaining, or replacing cochlear implants.
• Remapping cochlear implants.