Recommendations

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Vaccinations:  (These recommendations are for all children with cochlear implant models; including models with and without the positioner)

• Check the child’s record of vaccinations against CDC’s recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/nip/issues/cochlear/cochlear-gen.htm), which show what vaccines cochlear implant patients should receive and when the vaccines should be given. The CDC Immunization Center telephone number is 800-232-4636. The TTY number is 888-232-6348.

Meningitis

• Closely watch for signs of meningitis for all children with cochlear implants, but particularly for children whose implants have a positioner. Consult your implanting doctor to determine if your child’s cochlear implant has a positioner. It is, however, important to monitor all cochlear implant patients for signs of meningitis.

• Parents and caretakers of children with cochlear implants should be aware of the signs of meningitis and contact their child’s healthcare provider immediately if they think their child might have meningitis.   

• Early signs of meningitis include high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, and sleepiness or confusion. A young child or infant with meningitis might be sleepy, cranky, or eat less.

Ear infections

• Parents of children with cochlear implants should also be watchful for signs and symptoms of an ear infection, which can include ear pain, fever, and decreased appetite.  Healthcare providers should diagnose and treat ear infections promptly.

Antibiotics

• Follow your doctor’s prescription for antibiotics very carefully. It is very important that you make sure the child takes the antibiotic as often as prescribed and for as long as prescribed, so it can work properly.

Any questions parents have about their child’s health should be discussed with the child’s doctor.

Home | About the 2002 Study | About the 2004 Study | Recommendations | Questions and Answers | Resources (pdf)

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Date: March 19, 2009
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities