Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) for children with congenital abnormalities of the auditory nerves or cochleae

The auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) service is for highly complex children (interested organisations should note the scope includes children under the age of 5) with profound deafness who have no functional hearing as a result of congenital abnormalities affecting the auditory nerve or the cochlea, meaning that they are unable to use conventional hearing aids or cochlear implants. These children require highly specialist service input to include multidisciplinary assessment, surgical implantation and rehabilitation (including maintenance of the implant). The provider must already have a contract with NHS England for specialist ear, nose and throat services for children. In addition to the core MDT (healthcare scientist (audiology), speech & language therapist, consultant ENT surgeons who specialise in both cochlear implantation and skull base surgery, consultant neurosurgeons who specialise in skull base surgery and administrator), the service must have additional named specialists with whom they work: - Consultant neuroradiologist - Paediatric clinical psychologist (with experience of working with hearing impaired children and/or complex needs) - Consultant paediatric neuro-anaesthetist - Rehabilitation therapist - Teacher of the Deaf - Paediatric ophthalmologist - Paediatric cardiologist - Paediatric neurologist All team members should be suitably qualified and registered with accredited professional bodies and be highly experienced in their clinical specialty. Service Specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/service-specification-auditory-brainstem-implant.pdf Organisations wishing to express an interest should email: surinder.kahlon@nhs.net