Many professionals who work with cochlear implants are under the impression that middle-ear dysfunction does not impact the function of the cochlear implant, which bypasses the conductive portion of the auditory mechanism. However, anecdotally, there are some indications that this piece of conventional wisdom may not be entirely accurate. This presentation will detail a case in which changes in middle-ear status were closely associated with changes in the function of a cochlear implant in use on the affected ear.
About the Presenter:
Jeffrey Simmons, MA, CCC-A, is Cochlear Implant Clinical Coordinator in the Lied Learning and Technology Center at Boys Town National Research Hospital, in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has been on staff since receiving his master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, in 1996. His duties include newborn hearing screening, audiological diagnostics, and the fitting of hearing aids and cochlear implants with both pediatric and adult populations. Jeffrey has been involved in research, publications, and/or presentations involving a variety of topics related to cochlear implants, pediatric amplification, newborn hearing screening, and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.
This course provides professionals with information on the best practices for speech perception testing with cochlear implant candidates and recipients. This presentation addresses current protocols, available speech perception tools, and relevant research.
About the Presenter:
Sarah Zlomke, Au.D., CCC-A, specializes in cochlear implantsat Midwest Midwest Ear Institute in Kansas City. She completed her fourth yearexternship at Midwest Ear Institute in 2007 and received her Doctor of Audiologydegree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2008. AtMidwest Ear Institute, she works with all three cochlear implant manufacturersand has participated in over 10 investigator initiated and sponsor initiated studiesinvolving cochlear implant technology.