The Cochlear Implant School Toolkit

7 - Social and Physical Challenges

Physical challenges

Some deaf children may experience physical challenges beyond that of hearing loss, such as difficulties with fine and gross motor skills (e.g., buttoning or snapping clothes).

Researchers suggest that these problems occur because the vestibular organs of the inner ear are located alongside the cochlea and may be stimulated by the electric current generated by the cochlear implant.

The vestibular system, which coordinates information received from the eyes, muscles and joints, and the vestibular organs of the inner ear, helps people maintain balance and control movement.

On the next page, we describe some resulting physical challenges that may affect children with cochlear implants at school. We also suggest some things you can do to help these children overcome these challenges.