Ms Emma Rushbrooke1, Dr Wendy Arnott1, Mrs Jenny Bergman1, Ms Jessica Balfour-Ogilvy1, Mrs Sharon Bruna1
1Hear And Say, Brisbane, Australia
Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation continues to change and evolve and many who were not traditionally considered candidates for cochlear implantation, such as those with Single Side Deafness or SSD, are now being evaluated. The literature shows that hearing loss in one ear has negative effects on childhood development, listening and learning.
Hear and Say is an early intervention and hearing implant program. In recent years a total of 26 children and young adults with a single sided hearing loss have progressed to cochlear implantation with the aim of providing binaural access for those who do not benefit from hearing aid amplification.
The purpose of this presentation is to outline three case studies, describe pre and post implant assessment results, discuss what we have learned from all people implanted to date, and highlight clinical considerations for the audiological assessment and habilitation management of this cohort.
Biography:
Emma Rushbrooke
Audiologist and LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist
Clinical Director, Hear and Say
Completed a Master of Philosophy at the University of Queensland (2012), researching the validity of remote programming of cochlear implants in children and she co-edited the book “Telepractice in Audiology”, published in 2016. Emma is the current Chair of the AG Bell Academy Board.
Sharon Bruna
Audiologist and Speech Pathologist
Senior Audiologist, Hear and Say
Has experience in both paediatric and adult diagnostics and rehabilitation. In current role she has specialised in paediatric cochlear implantation and diagnostics, with a special interest in single sided deafness.
