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Tips for Using Rehab Apps to Improve Listening Skills with Cochlear Implants

2022; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 75; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/01.hj.0000843284.23653.80

2333-6218

Donna L. Sorkin,

Delphi Technique in Research

An app is a mobile application designed to be used on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet. Programs or applications for computers are typically called desktop applications. Most of the software applications we discuss here have both mobile and desktop versions.Lou Ferrigno uses a CI rehab app. Courtesy of Cochlear Americas. Cochlear implants, rehab apps, learning, skills, Patient Handout.Donna Sorkin and Lou Ferrigno at CI2022 DC in May 2022. Cochlear implants, rehab apps, learning, skills, Patient Handout.Apps for Adults and Teens with Cochlear Implants.While children who receive cochlear implants (CIs) nearly always are enrolled in family-centered habilitation with therapy professionals to help them maximize their listening outcomes, such services are less available and encouraged for adults. Although CIs provide dramatically improved access to sound for most people, rehabilitation to build one's hearing skills and function effectively in everyday settings is still helpful—regardless of one's age. The use of apps for CI rehab has grown as people have become more comfortable using their phones for a range of functions, from monitoring health conditions to paying bills. Apps are convenient and can be used in any setting and whenever someone has a few minutes to practice. Many are intended to be fun and encourage the user to come back multiple times. Apps for adult CI recipients are designed to provide skills training to improve listening outcomes including word recognition, identifying specific environmental sounds, and enjoying music. Apps may also offer recipients tips on subjects such as listening in noise, talking on the telephone, and managing the challenges of the workplace. Lou Ferrigno, also known for playing The Incredible Hulk, received a cochlear implant in February 2021 after nearly a lifetime of using hearing aids. Lou notes: "I wanted to apply the same discipline for learning to listen and making use of my new CI sound that I worked as hard at it as I did with bodybuilding and acting. The more I used apps in my listening practice, the more comfortable I was hearing and understanding in a range of settings. I also like apps because they are mobile—just like my phone—and I can practice listening anywhere when I have a few moments." Apps utilize increasing levels of difficulty starting with basics and building to more challenging tasks. Some begin with a placement test. Providing the cleanest possible signal may be suggested by encouraging use of Bluetooth connectivity. There are also interactive rehabilitation programs that are accessed on a desktop computer. Computer training programs such as Angel Sound™ Tiger Speech typically have a larger range of stimuli available than mobile apps, but both options have been studied and provide important benefits for those learning to listen with a CI or even for long-term users who wish to improve their listening outcomes. Apps typically focus on: INTRODUCTORY TASKS Sound awareness Record everyday sounds and then listen to identify the sound Are the words presented the same or different? From a closed set, answer a question ENCOURAGING EVERYDAY LISTENING Listen in quiet and in increasing levels of noise Listen at a slow pace and at increasing speaking rates Listen to family members read simple stories to get the patterns of voices Listen to audio books with, and then without, the text Telephone speech training Listen to podcasts with audio only (no visual, no captions) Demonstrate and use active listening while utilizing other clues (i.e., emotion, facial expressions, volume, tone) MAXIMIZING MUSIC ENJOYMENT Melodic contour training to improve perception of melody Instrument identification Familiar melody recognition Rhythm practice HELPFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES Tips from experts and CI users Support and advocacy groups Device specific guidance