Empowering and motivating cochlear implant recipients with access to selfdirected rehabilitation through direct streaming.

Traditionally, Auditory Rehabilitation is carried out with support from a Speech and Language Therapist, usually in a clinical centre. Training may be required to acquire optimal performance from a Cochlear Implant, for example, speech recognition in challenging situations such as distance, background noise, different speakers, telephone use, etc. In addition, sequential cochlear implantation and new indications, such as SSD or asymmetrical hearing loss, require intense and specific auditory training. Clinical studies of auditory plasticity following placement of Cochlear implants suggests that additional auditory training may be needed for reorganization of the brain to occur (1). Traditionally, this training has required an economic and time effort on the part of the patient, family or caregivers. The literature also emphasizes many reasons that support the importance of daily practice taking advantage of routine activities and in natural contexts (2). There are software programs designed for this purpose, but there may be barriers to access such as cost and technical equipment requirements, etc.(3) This paper will present one approach to empowering Cochlear Implant recipients to use the opportunities for listening practice and rehabilitation afforded by the Nucleus 7 sound processor and streaming with IOS devices. Options for using a range of different commercially available apps, many of them free, will be shared along with ideas for using data streaming, not always with a specific educational purpose, but through activities that can be more pleasant, engaging and entertaining for the patient such as listening to audiobooks, podcasts and other listening resources to build auditory experience and confidence. This paper will present options for using the N7 MFI processor for self-directed rehabilitation using streaming, to provide the patient with training possibilities tailored to his or her interests and needs, adapted to maximize and motivate their time availability; the incentive being the ability to select and design their own varied listening program. The key elements of how to support and motivate recipients to design their own listening program plus the options and how this has been applied in clinical practice as well as clinical examples and outcomes will be addressed. 1. Polonenko, Melissa Jane,Gordon, Karen Ann, Cushing, Sharon Lynn, Papsin, Blake Croll. Cortical organization restored by cochlear implantation in young children with single sided deafness. Scientific Reports. 04.12.2017. DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-17129-z 2. Lone Percy-Smith, Tenna Lindbjerg Tønning, Jane Lignel Josvassen, Jeanette Hølledig Mikkelsen, Lena Nissen, Eveline Dieleman, Maria Hallstrøm & Per Cayé-Thomasen. Auditory verbal habilitation is associated with improved outcome for children with cochlear implant. Cochlear Implants International Vol. 19, Iss. 1, 2018 3. Olson AD. Options for Auditory Training for Adults with Hearing Loss. Seminars in Hearing. 2015;36(4):284-295. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1564461. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]