Subject: Brain stem implants and children From: "Ward R. Drennan" <wdrennan(at)KHRI3.KHRI.MED.UMICH.EDU> Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:45:57 -0400Dear list, I learned recently that brain stem implants are only allowed in adults aged 18 and above. I wonder if there are sound medical reasons for that or if the FDA simply not satisfied due to lack of evidence. There is a case of an ossified boy. He has ossification in both ears and got little benefit from a cochlear implant. The thought was to try implanting his other ear so that he might get something. His parents were enthusiastic about that, but if it doesn't work, a brain stem implant might help. This is apparatenly not allowed in a 4-year old and I wonder why. Ward Drennan, Ph. D. Kresge Hearing Research Institute Phone: (734) 763-5159 Fax: (734) 764-0014