There is no denying that hearing loss can have significant psychosocial impacts on those who experience it. The most affected group, however, are young children, for whom hearing loss can hinder early learning and development (Connor et al., 2006). A viable solution to this problem takes the form of cochlear implants. An artificial cochlear unit is surgically implanted in the ear and works by translating sounds directly into electrical impulses and sending them to the brain (Roland & Tobey, 2013, p. 1175). Despite the high success rates they have produced, critics argue that cochlear implants should not be performed on very young children. They cite some physiological concerns as well as doubts about long-term effectiveness (Hehar et al., 2002, p. 11). Some have even expressed concern that cochlear implants may have a negative impact on young children's social development, making them feel different or out of place (Ketelaar, 2012, pp. 518-519). Of course, not all children with hearing loss are good candidates for an implant procedure. However, once a candidate has been positively identified, the process should occur as soon as possible, in order to ensure maximum educational and developmental benefits. Although attempts to stimulate hearing with electricity date back to the 1950s, the modern version of the cochlear implant did not appear until the 1970s (Wilson & Dorman, 2008, p. 3). Early versions relied on a single electrode to translate sound into electrical impulses and transmit them to the brain. Engineers, however, were making steady progress, and by the 1990s implants in young children had become routine (Wilson & Dorman, 2008, p. 3). The modern cochlear implant currently......half of article......bey, E. (2013). A tribute to an extraordinarily valid solution. Cell, 154(6), 1175-1177. Sorkin, D. L. (2013). Cochlear Implant in the World's Largest Medical Device Market: Use and Awareness of Cochlear Implants in the United States. CochlearImplants International, 14(S1), S12-S14. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1ocV6wF.Svirsky, M. A. (2001). Language development in children with profound and prelingual hearing loss without cochlear implants. Annals of otology, rhinology and laryngology, 36(Supp),99-100. Tyler, G. K., Martin, T. P. C., & Baguley, D. M. (2012). Systematic review of the outcome of cochlear implantation in superficial siderosis. Otology and Neurology, 33(6), 976-982.Wilson, B. S. & Dorman, M. F. (2012). Cochlear implants: an extraordinary past and a bright future. Hearing Research, 242(0), 3-21. Retrieved from http://1.usa.gov/1kURPgA.