The multielectrode cochlear implant is the only technique currently available which allows acquisition of hearing in congenitally and prelingually deaf children. Parents should be informed about the technique and principle, the potential short-term and long-term complications and expected benefits. There are no objective arguments concerning the success of oral language development, psychoaffective equilibrium and social integration. Long-term follow-up of children implanted in France is recommended: monitoring of complications, all centers must collect results using universally accepted objective criteria, followed by assessment of all children implanted, including family, school and social integration, psychoaffective equilibrium, parents' satisfaction, etc. Other output or dissemination activity: Cochlear implants are currently approved for use only in accredited centers.