Final answer:
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) play a crucial role in supporting children with cochlear implants, helping in the development of listening, speech articulation, and language. They work on programming and fine-tuning the speech processor of the implant, and provide ongoing support and adjustments. While cochlear implants benefit those with nonfunctional cochlea, they are not suitable for hearing loss due to abnormal auditory nerve or middle ear damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child receives a cochlear implant, the role of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes critical in facilitating auditory and language development. The SLP works to help the child develop listening skills, articulate sounds, and acquire language. They also play a key role in programming the speech processor of the cochlear implant to ensure that it is tailored to the child's individual needs. This often includes ongoing assessments and adjustments over time as the child grows and their hearing and language skills evolve.
Hearing loss of various types can be addressed by cochlear implants, particularly when the loss is due to nonfunctional cochlea. However, types of hearing loss that would not be restored by a cochlear implant include those resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve or damage to bones of the middle ear. These conditions would hinder the implant's ability to transmit sound from the microphone to the auditory nerve.
The invention of the cochlear implant has been a significant advancement for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. Pioneered by Graeme Clark in the 1970s, the implant's external components - the microphone, speech processor, and transmitter - work together with the internal receiver/transmitter and electrodes to convert sounds into electrical impulses, enabling the perception of sound for those with a nonfunctional cochlea.
Ultimately, SLPs are essential in supporting children with cochlear implants, ensuring that they receive the maximum benefit from their device through tailored therapy and support to enhance their communication skills.