What is it about?

This article reviews evidence on the use of telepractice in various aspects of cochlear implant (CI) service delivery. After reviewing existing studies, we found that the use of telepractice for CI processor programming, speech-perception testing, physiological tests of auditory nerve function, minor self-adjustments to CI programs, and auditory therapy is as effective for adult recipients as in-person visits. However, testing speech perception remotely requires special equipment that is not currently commercially available. For children, remote CI programming and testing of auditory nerve function were as effective as in-person testing.

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Why is it important?

Telepractice in CI service delivery is a viable option since many follow-up evaluations are required, and the availability of CI centers and trained professionals is not widespread. For professionals working in CI service delivery, this review provides information about the benefits and drawbacks of CI telepractice, outlines which aspects of remote CI service delivery work best, and provides a framework for setting up CI telepractice delivery.

Perspectives

Hopefully this article will be a good starting point for professionals serving CI recipients who want to learn more about how to implement telepractice with their patients.

Michelle Hughes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: An Overview of Telepractice Applications for Comprehensive Cochlear Implant Service Delivery, Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, April 2023, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2022_persp-22-00173.
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