Abstract
Cochlear implant surgery began to be performed in 1985 in Japan. Since then, more than 7000 highly hearing-impaired patients have received cochlear implant surgery. Cochlear implant surgery is the only means to restore hearing ability in these patients. In spite of the good results from the point of view of hearing ability, several problems related to social factors have been reported. This year, Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Society of Japan has revised the criteria and indications for cochlear implant surgery in children. In this paper, we discuss the new criteria together with the social problems associated with cochlear implant surgery.