Written by two eminent professionals in deaf education, this useful guide explains in a friendly, easy-to-follow style each stage of the process. Parents will discover how to have their child evaluated to determine her or his suitability for an implant. They'll learn about implant device options, how to choose an implant center, and every detail of the surgical procedure. The initial "switch-on" is described along with counseling about device maintenance. Most importantly, parents will learn how to help their child adjust to and successfully use the cochlear implant. The Parents' Guide to Cochlear Implants emphasizes learning to listen through home activities, implants as tools for language development, and critical issues regarding school placement. It also considers performance in light of the whole child, including issues related to Deaf culture. Brief stories by parents of children with implants provide reassuring, actual experiences to parents considering the procedure for their own child. With a last word on parenting perspectives and a rich list of resources, this one-of-a-kind guide will arm parents of deaf children with complete confidence to make informed decisions about cochlear implantation.