Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant is a device that enables a person with hearing loss to hear sounds by bypassing the middle ear and electrically stimulating the nerve responsible for hearing. This exciting technology has improved the quality of life for countless children with hearing loss. The Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center has provided cochlear implant services for children and adults since the early 1980's. The center is at the forefront of research to improve technology and intervention services.
Complex AeroDigestive Evaluation Team (CADET) Clinic
The CADET Clinic at Children's Hospital brings together teams of specialists to evaluate and care for chronically ill children with complex airway (voice box, windpipe), pulmonary (lung), upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach), sleep, and feeding disorders. By coordinating evaluations from our clinics, laboratories and radiologists, as well as surgical procedures, we provide answers to difficult questions as quickly as possible.
Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Team
Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a disorder that results in the improper closing of the soft palate muscle in the mouth during speech, allowing air to pass through the nose instead of the mouth. The mission of our team is to make sure that children with VPI get accurate diagnostic evaluations. We then follow up with a plan of action to eliminate or lessen speech problems associated with VPI.
Vascular Malformations Team
The Vascular Malformations team is a large multidisciplinary group of medical professionals from a wide variety of specialties. The team meets monthly to discuss children with complicated malformations that require analysis by multiple disciplines and specialties to accurately diagnose.