Mapping Cochlear Implants
The process of programming a cochlear implant (CI) is called "mapping".
During that process the audiologist programs the processor to maximize the
hearing of the CI user. I'm not an expert, but my impression is that it's
as much art as science. More information on the process is in these
articles:
October 2008 - New software helps improve cochlear implant
tuning process
October 2008 - Understanding Speech with Cochlear
Implant Improves with Audigence
December 2009 -
New Brain Imaging Device May Improve Babies' CI
Evaluations
September 2011 - Cochlear Implant Mapping
Online
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September 2011
Patients currently need to visit the ESIA centre
for cochlear implant maintenance but with the new telehealth software,
patients in remote areas would only need a computer and an internet
connection to test their implant. Adjunct Professor Rob Eikelboom is the
lead researcher for the cochlear implant remote mapping project and says
the software could decrease the high level of ear disease in remote
Australia and developing countries. "Twenty per cent of our patients live
about 200 kilometres or more away from the clinic. So they lose at least
an entire day for one appointment. This project will alleviate that
issue," Prof Eikelboom says.
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