Trends in rehabilitation after cochlear implantation

Although postimplant rehabilitation is generally considered to be an important aspect of a cochlear implant program, the literature reports widely varying practices in the implementation of such programs. The National Institutes of Health consensus statement on cochlear implantation (May 1988), while recognizing that aural rehabilitation facilitates maximal use of the implant, offers no specific guidelines or recommendations. A questionnaire survey was made of over 200 otolaryngologists to determine current practices in a variety of aspects of their cochlear implant programs. Results were obtained from a total of more than 1400 patients, including adults, adolescents, and children. Rehabilitation is an integral part of the cochlear implant program in the vast majority of active programs surveyed. General aspects of cochlear implant programs, as well as those of rehabilitation programs in particular, are discussed.