had eight approval to perform auditory brainstem implants on children under the age of 12.peration is tricky. >> we make a small opening, back behind the ear, and there is a little area where the spinal fluid goes from inside the spinal cord outside. it is a natural opening. fortuitously, the nucleus lies along one side of that. we place a paddle with 21 contacts adjacent to that cochlear nucleus. emily: that the operating room, a team of doctors have to make sure the tiny paddle is placed in exactly the right spot. >> the area we are putting the implant is is very neurologically congested. a lot of nerves in close proximity. you don't want to stimulate a nerve that should not be stimulated. emily: they are manufactured by cochlear. nyu doctors estimate the first year of treatment could cost about $150,000. the goal? to activate as many as possible. >> the first time she actually heard our voices, she turned and looked at my husband and was in total shock. and then when we got home, and she heard the dog bark, she stepped back and looked at the dog. it was the greatest resp

auditory brainstem implants in children under the age of 12.peration is tricky. >> we make a small opening, back behind the ear, and there is a little opening where the spinal fluid goes from inside these final court to outside the spinal cord -- inside the spinal cord to outside the spinal cord. and we place a paddle with contacts. >> the doctors have to make sure the tiny paddle is placed in exactly the right place. >> it is congested, a lot of cranial nerves in close proximity, and you do not want to stimulate a nerve that should not stimulated. >> nyu doctors estimate the first year of treatment would cost about $150,000. the goal? to activate as many as possible. >> the first time she actually heard our voices she turned and looked at my husband and was in total shock, and then when we got home, and she heard the dog bark, she stepped back and looked at the dock, and it was the greatest thing to see. -- looked at the dog, and it was the greatest thing to see. reporter: until now, it was when people have had brain tumors removed. it is not