Perspectives on Aural Rehabilitation From Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Blair C Richlin; Janel L Cosby; Aaron C Moberly; Meaghan Foody; Stephanie McCabe; Michelle Havlik; Molly Schoenfeld; James R Dornhoffer; Donna L Sorkin; Kate Sinks

doi:10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00205

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Perspectives on Aural Rehabilitation From Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Perspectives on Aural Rehabilitation From Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

Blair C Richlin, Janel L Cosby, Aaron C Moberly, Meaghan Foody, Stephanie McCabe, Michelle Havlik, Molly Schoenfeld, James R Dornhoffer, Donna L Sorkin and Kate Sinks

American journal of audiology

03/12/2026

DOI: 10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00205

PMID: 41820015

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https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00205View

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Abstract

An Adult Cochlear Implant Aural Rehabilitation Special Interest Group was formed in 2023. Members represent interdisciplinary collaborators, including audiologists, speech-language pathologists, surgeons, nonclinical administrators, manufacturer/industry representatives, and researchers. Current perspectives of adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients regarding aural rehabilitation (AR) remain unknown and understudied. The aim of this study is to survey adult CI recipients to determine their perspectives on the AR process. A web-based national survey was sent to adult CI recipients through multiple channels. The survey asked recipients about their demographics, state of residence, hearing loss history, and device configuration. Questions probed recipients' experiences of learning about AR options, services used, definitions of AR, and perceived value of services received. Questions were also asked about barriers to AR services, preoperative counseling, and satisfaction with their decision to pursue a CI. A total of 115 CI recipients responded to the survey. Results revealed a relative lack of information provided to many CI recipients regarding AR services. Many CI recipients reported wishing they had received additional resources in the areas of music training and equipment troubleshooting. Most participants reported that both one-on-one clinician-guided AR and independent listening practice were effective methods of AR. Findings shed light on current gaps in providing the most effective AR services, which will need to be addressed to optimize hearing health care and outcomes for adult CI recipients. Future work should include outreach to a broader representation of CI users to expand our understanding of AR resources, education, and limitations.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Perspectives on Aural Rehabilitation From Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
Creators: Blair C Richlin - Idaho State University
Janel L Cosby - University of Central Florida
Aaron C Moberly - Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Meaghan Foody - University of Iowa
Stephanie McCabe - Northwestern University
Michelle Havlik - Swallow Solutions (United States)
Molly Schoenfeld - New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
James R Dornhoffer - Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Donna L Sorkin - Cochlear (Australia)
Kate Sinks - Orthopedic Center
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of audiology
DOI: 10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00205
PMID: 41820015
NLM abbreviation: Am J Audiol
ISSN: 1059-0889
eISSN: 1558-9137
Publisher: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 03/12/2026
Academic Unit: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9985147201402771

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