Cochlear Implant Referral

The BC Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program offers a full range of cochlear implant services for children with complex hearing needs, including: assessments, surgery and follow-up care. We are a provincially funded program, through the Ministry of Health, mandated to provide cochlear implant services to children who meet candidacy criteria for cochlear implants across British Columbia. In addition, children from the Yukon Territory regularly receive cochlear implant services through our program.

Referral overview

We accept referrals for children birth to 17 years of age
To determine if a child is a candidate for cochlear implantation, a referral* must come from an audiologist or a physician. Refer to the referral criteria below.
If a child with a cochlear implant needs to transfer to our clinic, a transfer form* can be completed by a parent, an audiologist, a physician or a teacher.

Referral criteria

The following criteria are considered in determining a child’s candidacy for cochlear implant surgery and follow-up at BC Children's Hospital:

Age range of 0 through 17 years.
Severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss
If hearing aid(s) have been fit, they are expected to be worn consistently during all waking hours, everyday following the initial hearing aid fitting
Minimal progress in auditory development with consistent use of appropriately fit hearing aids
Present auditory nerve and suitable cochlear anatomy as determined by imaging
No medical contra-indications, including active middle ear disease or ossification of cochlea
Family and/or child with good motivation to explore cochlear implant as an option

Referrals form

Referrals process

Step 1: Assessment

Our clinic is not able to accept incomplete referral packages. Please check our referral form for requirements.
If you are not sure if a child will benefit from a cochlear implant it is best to make an inquiry using the same referral form to provide the pertinent information

Step 2: Complete a referral form

Step 3: Send the referral

Referral's are accepted via fax or through the mail.

Referral fax number: 604-875-2977

Mailing address:

B.C. Children’s Hospital

Cochlear Implant Services, Room 1D20

4480 Oak Street

Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Step 4: Post-referral

Once a referral has been received and triaged, it will be vetted by the cochlear implant team. If appropriate, the family will be contacted to arrange candidacy appointments. If inappropriate, the referring provider and the family will be contacted and instructed on next steps.

Step 5: Appointment with a provider

When a referral is accepted, the administrative staff will contact the family and send them an information package, including a patient questionnaire and instructions on immunization review. After the questionnaire is completed, the family will be contacted to arrange the candidacy appointments.

Provincial Health Services Authority