Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation

I began my work with cochlear implants during clinical trials and saw many of the first children in the state of Illinois to be implanted in the late 1980s. One of the cornerstones of Auditory Verbal Therapy is the proactive use of state-of-the-art hearing technology.

Today, I coordinate therapy and communicate with Cochlear Implant Teams, other private therapists, physicians and schools in the area as well as the Cochlear Implant Manufactures. I am a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance which is organization created with the purpose of eliminating barriers to cochlear implantation by sponsoring research, driving heightened awareness and advocating for improved access to cochlear implants for patients of all ages across the US.

Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation for Auditory Learners:

For new users of cochlear implants who have already developed spoken language, I provide therapy designed to integrate the new sounds of the cochlear implant with existing auditory skills. Whether a child is getting a second implant or a teenager or an adult is receiving his or her first, the therapy sessions will support the transition to the new hearing device. Family members and friends are included in the therapy process to support the integration of new and developing skills at home, work and social environments.

Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation for Those From Visual Communication Backgrounds:

For an individual from a visual based language system who comes to the Auditory Verbal Center of Wheaton for rehabilitation, one main goal is to help the patient integrate the sound and hearing available from the new cochlear implant device into their lifestyle for improved communication and self- advocacy. Therapy follows an auditory hierarchy is very individualized to meet the patient’s needs.