5-Year Bilateral Outcomes, Electrode Depth Research, and Updated ACI Alliance Candidacy Criteria
The strongest longitudinal evidence yet on bilateral implantation, plus new cortical plasticity data that may reframe late implantation expectations — and what the new ACI Alliance candidacy numbers actually mean for access.
The Candidacy Expansion Issue: New Joint Guidelines and What They Mean for Your Patients
Revised audiometric thresholds, a new functional listening criterion, and practical guidance for identifying candidates who were previously falling through the cracks.
Bilateral Implantation: The New Evidence on Timing, Outcomes, and Payer Strategy
Five-year outcomes data on sequential implantation, updated payer coverage frameworks, and a surgeon's perspective on making the case for the second implant.
AI in Cochlear Implant Fitting: What Machine Learning Can — and Cannot — Do for Your Clinic
A neural network trained on 1,200 recipient maps predicts optimal fitting levels with 91% agreement versus experienced audiologists, reducing mean session time by 38 minutes. We review the evidence and the caveats.
Cortical Plasticity After Late Implantation: Reframing Outcome Expectations in Post-Lingually Deafened Adults
fMRI data from 62 adults show measurable auditory cortex reorganization within six months of implantation — with direct implications for setting realistic outcome timelines in patient counseling.
Telerehabilitation Outcomes: Equal Gains, Higher Adherence, and a Stronger Case for Remote Care
A systematic review of 11 RCTs finds remote auditory training produces equivalent speech perception outcomes to in-person therapy, with adherence rates of 82% versus 61% in clinic-based programs.
Surgical Approaches for Difficult Anatomies: A 47-Case Series and Practical Decision Algorithm
Ossified, malformed, and narrow cochleae present real intraoperative challenges. This case series documents outcomes and decision-making across three surgical centres, with a take-home algorithm for surgical teams.
Pediatric Implantation Rates and Regional Disparities: The Data Behind the Advocacy Case
A national claims analysis reveals a threefold difference in implantation rates between US states, driven by Medicaid coverage variability and specialist availability — and quantifies the policy levers most likely to close the gap.
Early Intervention and Language Outcomes: What the Latest Evidence Tells Clinicians
A synthesis of 12 studies confirms implantation before 12 months consistently outperforms later timing across spoken language development, reading readiness, and quality-of-life measures at school age.
Music Perception Training in Experienced Implant Users: RCT Results and Clinical Implications
Six weeks of structured music training significantly improved melodic contour discrimination and rhythmic pattern recognition, with gains correlating strongly with daily practice duration — a practical case for music-based supplemental rehabilitation.