(57) Empowering Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients: How telehealth aural rehabilitation can improve personal adjustment and functional listening outcomes

Abstract: A challenge for many adult cochlear implant recipients is the limited aural rehabilitation they receive post-implantation. While children are provided with extensive aural rehabilitation therapy to teach their brains how to effectively use the new auditory signal, adults are often expected to adapt simply by wearing and using the device. Adults must also contend with the emotional stress related to their hearing loss and the uncertainty that comes with undergoing cochlear implantation. Additional responsibilities like work, childcare, and finances compound this stress while also making it challenging for clients to commit to a long-term aural rehabilitation program.

This presentation will discuss a case study of an adult using bimodal amplification and how individualized telehealth aural rehabilitation improved personal adjustment and functional listening outcomes. Pre- and post-data will be shared which highlights the areas of improvement after a 6-month telehealth treatment period.

Summary of Presentation : This presentation will cover the case study of a 59-year-old female who uses bimodal amplification (one cochlear implant and one hearing aid) and the impact aural rehabilitation had on her hearing journey.

The session will begin with discussing the client’s background and understanding the personal challenges and emotions she encountered after receiving her cochlear implant. Like many adults, rehabilitation services were not readily available, therefore intervention was not initiated until 16 months post-implant. We will also briefly cover some differences between aural rehabilitation for pediatric versus adult clients.

We will then discuss the intake and functional listening evaluation process. In this section, we’ll share insights on how to implement a diagnostic battery and how those objective results can be combined with subjective measures to create holistic and customized treatment goals. These goals should address the personal adjustment needs associated with hearing loss-related deficits in activity, participation, and quality of life. We will also talk about the impact emotional distress can have on rehabilitation progress.

Therapy activities for various listening goals will also be discussed. With all aural rehabilitation sessions with this client performed via HIPAA-compliant telehealth, we will share important considerations when adapting aural rehabilitation for the telehealth format.

We’ll end the session by sharing results collected after 6 months of treatment and discuss where the patient saw significant improvement, where they still struggle, and future directions for care.