George S. Osborne College of Audiology
Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants Certificate Program
This course provides a detailed description of the function of the auditory system with special reference to aspects important to cochlear implantation. The course covers basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects in central auditory processing, giving emphasis to issues that are particularly relevant to electrical stimulation with cochlear implant systems. Includes detailed consideration of early development of the cochlea and central auditory pathways, as well as age related plasticity in the auditory brain, which will be linked to issues relating to cochlear implantation in children and in adults. Covers details about cochlear implant sound processing, cochlear electrode stimulation of neurons and other electrophysiological cochlear implant issues. Also reviews surgical procedures, and a range of medical considerations related to cochlear implant candidature (e.g. temporal bone malformations, multiple handicaps, genetic etiology etc.).
Purpose of this course is to gain knowledge regarding the history of cochlear implants as well as candidacy criteria for the adult and pediatric populations. Learners will understand how to assess speech perception in adults and children with cochlear implants and to learn now to enhance performance with bilateral implantation, bimodal stimulation, and hearing assistance technology.
Course examines the fundamental principles involved in the programming of cochlear implants for children and adults and addresses specific topics: basic hardware of cochlear implant systems; terminology associated with cochlear implant programming; clinical procedures utilized in programming cochlear implants; troubleshooting common complaints/complications associated with cochlear implant use, etc. Clinical case examples provided as a tool to illustrate common clinical practices and procedures in cochlear implant programming. Student should acquire a working knowledge that will facilitate the successful management of cochlear implant programming in clinical settings.
Discusses the range of objective measures which can be elicited in cochlear implant users. Addresses how these measures can be used to evaluate cochlear implant function/activity along auditory pathways in response to cochlear implant stimulation. In addition, the use of these measures to detect unwanted non-auditory responses to cochlear implant stimulation will be discussed. Students learn what equipment is necessary to obtain these measures and when to collect them. Current applications for these measures in both clinical and research settings discussed.
Focus on aural (re)habilitation for children and adults following cochlear implantation. Addresses auditory skill development and specific intervention strategies and techniques to maximize the auditory potential of pediatric and adult cochlear implant recipients. In addition, considerations to facilitate listening skills for special populations including the older implanted child, the multiply challenged child, and the bilingual child. Students given necessary knowledge and practical insight to engage families and educators to support cochlear implant recipients and to learn the essential components of the (re)habilitation process and current application in the clinical setting.
CI 550A Psycho-social and Professional Issues in Cochlear Implant Candidacy & Selection (1.50 credits)
Examines epidemiology of hearing loss and associated risk factors; social and cultural concerns of cochlear implants; selection and fitting of bilateral combinations of cochlear implants and hearing aids; issues related to the quality of life, cost/benefit issues provided by cochlear implants; government regulations overseeing the provision of cochlear implants; practice management issues as they affect the provision of cochlear implant services, specific to adults and children.