The implications of the surgery and other issues raised by cochlear implants are among the many topics to be discussed at Cal State Northridge¹s 17th annual international "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" conference.

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that operates much like an artificial inner ear. It translates sound into nerve impulses and delivers them to the brain for processing.

Sharaine J. Rawlinson, a materials development specialist for the Western Region Outreach Center and consortia for CSUN¹s National Center on Deafness, will talk about cochlear implants on Friday, March 22, at 3:40 p.m. at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton.

"There are so many factors to be considered: the age of onset of deafness, expectations that the person may harbor for their implant, willingness to work to develop the ability to hear, and so on," Rawlinson said. "And there remains so much to be researched that we don¹t yet know what criteria will be needed to determine the absolute success."

Rawlinson¹s presentation, "Cochlear Implants Are Here To Stay," will describe cochlear implant technology and who can benefit from cochlear implants. Information will be presented on what services and factors disability support services and vocational rehabilitation providers need to be aware of when serving a student with a cochlear implant.

For more information about Rawlinson¹s presentation, call (818) 677-2099. For information and registration details about the conference, call (818) 2578 V/TTY or visit www.csun.edu/cod.