Vol. 518 No. 5
133 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that sufficient research has been carried out to allow people assess the benefit or otherwise of cochlear implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12131/00]
The national cochlear implant programme has been established at Beaumont Hospital since 1995. There is ongoing assessment and monitoring in most large centres, including Beaumont Hospital, of all patients who have received implants. This system of evaluation and pooling of information leads to refinement in selection criteria and is an essential tool in determining potential patients considered most suitable for cochlear implantation. This is clear proof that there is a sufficient body of evidence to support the benefits of cochlear implantation in adults and children.
