Scenario: 

Even if you went through cochlear implantation 5 or more years ago, this question is still relevant. And the answer is “yes.” It is likely that you can take steps to improve your hearing outcomes and utilization of your CI.

The main goal for most people seeking a cochlear implant is to experience improved hearing and daily communication. However, your CI can give you more than an undefined “improvement.” You may still be hesitant to pursue some hearing-dependent activities, or you may have thought that certain experiences were not for you because of your hearing problem. You may also believe that progress with a CI stops after several years, and that further improvement is not possible. In fact, this isn't true—people can still make progress years after they received a cochlear implant.

Some areas in which progress is possible include:

• Talking on the phone. Some people are hesitant about talking on the phone without captioning. Such hesitancy applies even to certain people who have succeeded at understanding speech without lip-reading (and have used their CI for years). Using a voice telephone without captioning may be initially challenging but you may be able to gradually learn to listen effectively on the phone. https://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/347956/Tips-for-People-Who-Converse-with-CI-Recipients-on-the-Telephone

• Listening to music. Even if you were initially disappointed with your music perception after you received your CI, it is possible for this perspective to change. Your hearing perception today is different from what it was immediately following your activation and even after a few years.  You may wish to try again and also utilize some of the practice tools others have found helpful. There are many materials available on listening to music with a CI; the following webinar provides important tips to help CI recipients enjoy music.  https://www.audiologyonline.com/audiology-ceus/register_account/35602

• Optimizing use of the options for listening in different environments on your sound processor.  Ask your audiologist or CI manufacturer representative to help. You can, for example, your audiologists for a program that may improve your music experience or your ability to hear better in a large meeting space. You may wish to explore a program for a challenging daily situation. Most CI recipients have several programs on their sound processor but use only one of them. Trying other programs may help you to maximize the opportunity possible with the technology. 

• Ensure that your sound processor mapping is up-to-date. The frequency of how often you need to see your mapping audiologist varies by individual. Your audiologist can also help to ensure you using your technology effectively. The following blog discusses how to get the most out of your mapping sessions:  https://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/357192/How-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-CI-Mapping-Appointment

• Use assistive listening devices (ALDs) to improve your access to the voice(s) you want to hear. Using ALDs can enable more CI users to talk on the phone and/or keep up with video calls. Using ALDs can help you better understand your yoga instructor, improve your understanding of TV programs, and more. Using ALDs not only can improve your understanding—they can also can decrease your hearing efforts. If you already purchased ALDs such as a TV streamer or a remote microphone (available from your CI manufacturer) and do not use it, give it another chance. You may find hearing much more accessible and comfortable. CI company reps can help with technology that your purchased from them.

• Familiarize yourself with the variety of speech-to-text technologies available on the various video platforms (such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams). There are also apps for the phone. These can help communication in different settings—in person or over a virtual call.  Many people with hearing loss are challenged when faced with a speaker wearing a mask.  Phone apps can provide a reasonable (though not absolutely accurate) representation) of speech to help you through a difficult situation.  These apps may be helpful in many situations including listening to lectures or speaking to your physician. 

• Define your difficult situations and communication needs and talk about them with family and friends. Good communication depends on collaboration of all of the partners—there is a limit to what you can do on your own. In many situations, the help and cooperation of family members, co-workers, and friends will make a difference. Everyone should share the responsibility for meeting your communication needs and make an effort to maximize your communication.
https://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/334221/Hearing-people-can-be-so-mean

• Stay up-to-date with new sound processor technological advancements and with what is known about the benefits of bilateral implantation.

• Challenge your listening skills with auditory training.  Consider seeking guidance from a rehabilitation professional with specialized CI auditory training and/or by monitoring changes in your hearing. Make use of self-training materials (such as those available on the CI companies' websites) or elsewhere.  Listen to audiobooks, TED Talks, and podcasts without captioning.

For guidance: https://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/Cochlear-Implant-Rehabilitation-for-Adults

https://www.acialliance.org/blogpost/1334356/366153/How-can-you-practice-and-improve-your-listening-skills-during-the-social-distancing-timeframe

It’s never too late for auditory improvement. Taking advantage of technology, setting new expectations and working toward achieving them may help you to make better use of your cochlear implant and improve your quality of life.

Good luck!