Back-to-School with Cochlear Implants – What You Need to Know
School is back in session. Is your child prepared?
You've probably already picked up the essentials: backpack, notebooks, pens, and pencils. But what about your child’s cochlear implant (CI) needs? If your child wears cochlear implants, there are specific steps you can take to set them up for success in the classroom.
Cochlear Implants in Schools: The Awareness Gap
Cochlear implants have been around for more than 30 years, yet many teachers and schools are still unfamiliar with them. In our experience—within the second-largest school district in the U.S.—most educators had never worked with a CI student before.
The number of school-aged children with cochlear implants is increasing. However, it's often up to parents to educate teachers and administrators about their child's hearing technology and classroom needs.
Legal Protections: IEPs and 504 Plans
If your child attends a public school in the U.S., you should have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan in place. These are legal documents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensure your child receives necessary support and accommodations.
These plans are designed to guarantee access to learning and academic success for students with disabilities. If you're outside the U.S., your country may have similar protections—be sure to investigate what is available.
Tips for a Smooth School Year with CIs
From our family's experience, here are strategies that help ensure success in school:
📦 Pack a CI Supply Kit
Place the following in your child’s backpack:
Extra batteries
Backup sound cords or headpieces
Audio cables
Troubleshooting guide
Your contact information
🎧 Confirm Assistive Listening Tech Is Ready
Per the IEP or 504 Plan, ensure the school has working assistive listening devices like an FM system or Roger Pen, and that it connects properly to your child's processors.
🗣️ Meet the Teacher
Schedule a meeting during the first week to explain:
How your child's cochlear implant works
Troubleshooting basics
Importance of assistive listening equipment
Possible signs of malfunction (e.g., behavior changes)
If your child can self-advocate—great! If not, help teachers understand:
Optimal seating arrangements
How to switch programs or change parts
Allowing breaks if the classroom noise becomes overwhelming
Speaking clearly and at a natural pace
Checking that your child is following along
Repeating questions or answers during class discussions
Making sure videos and audio connect to the listening system
🏃 Support for Activities
If your child plays sports or joins other school activities, use accessories that protect and secure the devices. Our son wears a Ci Wear shirt, designed to keep cochlear implant processors in place during physical activity or water play.
Resources to Explore
We’ve found Advanced Bionics' Tools for Schools especially helpful. Their resources include:
Communication logs
Teacher tips
Classroom assessment tools
Advocacy guides for parents and students
Final Thoughts
You know your child’s hearing needs better than anyone. Partnering with teachers, support staff, and your child’s IEP/504 team can make all the difference.
When schools are informed, children with cochlear implants can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
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About Ci Wear:
Ci Wear is a patented shirt designed to secure and help protect cochlear implant processors and other mobile listening devices. Use it as a rash guard, swim shirt, or exercise apparel—ideal for waterproof cochlear implant processors.