Purpose
This clinical focus article provides an overview of clinical models currently being used for the provision of comprehensive aural rehabilitation (AR) for adults with cochlear implants (CIs) in the Unites States.
Method
Clinical AR models utilized by hearing health care providers from nine clinics across the United States were discussed with regard to interprofessional AR practice patterns in the adult CI population. The clinical models were presented in the context of existing knowledge and gaps in the literature. Future directions were proposed for optimizing the provision of AR for the adult CI patient population.
Findings/Conclusions
There is a general agreement that AR is an integral part of hearing health care for adults with CIs. While the provision of AR is feasible in different clinical practice settings, service delivery models are variable across hearing health care professionals and settings. AR may include interprofessional collaboration among surgeons, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists with varying roles based on the characteristics of a particular setting. Despite various existing barriers, the clinical practice patterns identified here provide a starting point toward a more standard approach to comprehensive AR for adults with CIs.
Background
Standards for auditory rehabilitation are currently lacking for adults who receive cochlear implants. Speech recognition outcomes are highly variable, and many adults with cochlear implants present with suboptimal performance. Functional real-life communication abilities are not routinely measured clinically and are not strongly linked to performance on traditional measures of speech recognition. In fact, even individuals with relatively good speech recognition outcomes often present with persistent communication difficulties. In contrast to pediatric cochlear implant users, speech-language pathologists are not routinely involved in the rehabilitation of adults who receive cochlear implants.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to describe the value of including a speech-language pathologist in a comprehensive approach to auditory rehabilitation for adults with cochlear implants.
Method
The theoretical and clinical foundations of incorporating a speech-language pathologist into an adult auditory rehabilitation program are discussed. A description of the skills and potential roles of the speech-language pathologist for providing adult cochlear implant rehabilitation services is presented, along with potential barriers to implementation.
Conclusion
Person-centered management of postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants can be augmented by a more complete approach utilizing the skill set of a speech-language pathologist.
Supplemental Material
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14669652
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