How do listening skills develop with an implant?
Programming the implant and devloping listening skills
Following the operation all adults and children will attend the Clinic for fitting and programming of the externally worn speech processor, (re)habilitation and medical reviews.
The functioning of each person’s auditory (hearing) pathway is different, and as such each person’s speech processor needs to be individually programmed. This process is called “Mapping” or “programming”. This process determines the amount of electrical current delivered to the cochlea by the implant, and ensures the patient receives comfortable and useful hearing.
The sound from a cochlear implant is not like "normal" hearing. The period of time required for the sound quality to reach its full potential and will vary between individuals. Case managers support and guide individual recipients through this period of adjusting to new sounds.
The purpose of the (re)habilitation programme is to help patients and their families incorporate the cochlear implant into their daily lifestyle. To achieve this, the clinic offers several post-operative services. These aim to optimize patients' hearing, help develop listening and communication skills, promote speech and language acquisition for children and deal with medical issues if they arise.
Adults
Immediately following the operation, an adult would normally attend the clinic 6-8 times over a period of 3 months. As they become more proficient in the use of the device and less speech processor programming is required, recipients would only need to visit the clinic every 12 months on an ongoing basis, or when the need arises.
Children
For Children, the Early Listening Programme provides support to families in establishing device use and promoting the development of listening skills during the first year following cochlear implantation. Clinicians provide support and information about communication options, early intervention and appropriate educational settings. A child's progress in the areas of speech, language and communication are monitored through regular communication assessments at the clinic.
