With the advent of the newborn hearing screening programme, the early identification of children with a hearing loss means that many severe and profoundly deaf children are receiving cochlear implants well before the age of two. The progress which can be made in acquiring speech and language often results in many of these children being in mainstream classes.

This easily accessible book will be invaluable to all involved in supporting children with cochlear implants. There is an informative section on the experiences of families pre and post-implant, and long and short-term problems. Issues around language and communication are clearly set out with plenty of practical tips to encourage communication.

The support cochlear implant children need and ideas for the assessment and monitoring of their progress through school are discussed. Technical information and trouble-shooting are explained in user friendly language. A valuable addition to the RNID’s Education Guidelines series.

Sandy Goler