Maximizing the Benefits from Bilateral Implantation, in Therapy, at Home and at School

Abstract

This paper reviews first what is known of outcomes from bilateral implantation, and the challenges of working with cochlear implant users after bilateral implantation, in particular after sequential bilateral implantation. Our investigation of the existing literature to date to determine the best rehabilitative methods and how they should vary for different groups of bilaterally implanted children suggests there is a lack of description of the therapy types and techniques and no attempt to correlate the methods used with the outcomes observed. As a result, a standard or optimal rehabilitative approach cannot be concluded from the literature to date. Based on clinical good practices it will give you some suggestions for maximizing the benefits from bilateral implantation, in therapy, at home and school.

Keywords:

• auditory therapy
• bilateral cochlear implantation
• auditory training
• auditory learning

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Josephine Wyss for her feedback.