Background: The cochlear implant is the therapy of choice for completely deaf patients. With this concept speech communication can be restored or developed.
Methods: The selection of the implant system may depend on different factors. As long as speech competence is thought to be of highest importance, a fast stimulation strategy involving a state of the art cochlear implant that provides 1500 Hz for every single electrode is close to the optimum. Further parameters include deep insertion into the cochlea (normally 30 mm) and other technical details.
Results: With these conditions fulfilled, about 2/3 of the adult deaf patients will later be able to use a telephone. Children who received implants in due time and do not have other cerebral defects will be partly able to meet with the requirements of normal schools.