WHO: The American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance is a not-for-profit membership organization created with the purpose of eliminating barriers to cochlear implantation. Its mission is to advance access to the gift of hearing provided by cochlear implantation through research, advocacy, and awareness.
WHAT: The ACI Alliance offers a unique auditory rehabilitation resource, “Naama’s Blog,” the Alliance announced. The blog provides support to adults who are either candidates for, or recipients of, cochlear implants and is also of interest to hearing care professionals. Coordinated by Naama Tsach, PhD a speech and language therapist and educational audiologist, and two additional authors, it covers a range of topics on cochlear implantation rehabilitation for adults of all ages.
Naama writes a blog for CI recipients and their families. Her blog offers CI users support and reflects the importance of auditory rehabilitation following cochlear implantation. Her posts feature tips and strategies for building new auditory skills, and to continually find ways to move forward. Her new posting describes the role of a personal auditory trainer. http://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/300690/Being-a-Personal-Auditory-Trainer
Bruce Sloane’s blog, “An Octogenarian’s CI Journey,” details his passage to improve his quality of life with a cochlear implant. His story began more than thirty years ago when he noticed a change in his hearing. His blog follows his journey with hearing aids and a turning point that helped him move forward his decision for a CI—thanks to an accidental meeting with a CI recipient in a supermarket. The most recent posts focus on his surgery and activation. This is a great resource for any adult considering a cochlear implant as well as family members: http://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1644925/An-Octogenarian-s-CI-Journey
Miranda Meyers is a college student who was implanted as a young child. Her blog, “A Young Adult’s Perspective on Life with Cochlear Implants,” covers her life experiences.
WHY: Although virtually all children and their families receive therapy and support post cochlear implantation, many adults do not. Adults need guidance and therapy too!
Source: The American Cochlear Implant Alliance
