Listening is a vehicle for us to share information on cochlear implants and hearing loss with hearing healthcare providers, adult CI recipients (and those exploring CI), parents and family members interested in CI, educators who work with deaf and hard of hearing children, and anyone wanting to learn more about cochlear implants. 

ACI Alliance is a not-for-profit organization created with the purpose of eliminating barriers to cochlear implantation by sponsoring research, driving heightened awareness and advocating for improved access to cochlear implants for people of all ages. There is a wealth of information on our website. 

Our work at ACI Alliance follows our mission encompassing research, advocacy, and awareness. Accordingly, Listening covers all three.

We encourage you to share sign-up details for this free e-newsletter with patients, family members, colleagues or anyone who may be interested.

There is still time to register and join us June 7-10 in Dallas for #CI2023Dallas. Visit the conference website for full schedule details, hotel information, CEU details and exhibitor information.

Abstract submissions will open in August. 

Anticipated session topics:
• Global challenges relative to cochlear implant provision
• Impact on early implantation of children born during the COVID pandemic
• What can be done to improve CI access to underserved populations around the world
• Working with challenging cases through teamwork
• Promoting cochlear implantation through hearing health
• CI provision at both ends of the age spectrum: Under 6 months and over 90

Did you miss any of our live webinars this year or last? Don't worry - you can view them on your time using our library of resources. 

Share information with your patients, families, and friends. Tuesday Talks are free, captioned one hour webinars on all different topics related to cochlear implants.  All sessions are free to view.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) affects approximately 1 per every 200 births in the United States and is the most common cause of non-hereditary hearing loss. Infants are infected due to exposure of the mother who often is unaware they had CMV due to the mild, cold-like symptoms in adults. CMV is responsible for hearing loss in 1 in 5 children who have no other known risk factor or cause. Hearing loss related to CMV may not be present at birth, but rather delayed in onset and hence would be missed by newborn hearing screening and may fluctuate or progress during childhood.

On May 5th Dr. Fred Telischi presented ACI Alliance Executive Director Donna L. Sorkin with the Presidential Citation at the American Neurotology Society Annual Meeting.

In his presentation of the award Dr. Telischi said:

You’re all familiar with our next Presidential Citation awardee – Donna Sorkin.  I can’t think of a better ambassador for one of our specialty’s marquee devices and procedure – cochlear implantation. Among the founders of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, and now it’s Executive Director, Donna has shepherded the ACIA into a highly functional, sustainable, effective, impactful, internationally recognized organization for CI advocacy, awareness and education."

A landmark resolution on “Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems” was adopted by 194 Members States at the 76^th World Health Assembly. The resolution responds to the large global need for rehabilitation and the significant gap in availability of services, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with as much as 50% of people not receiving the rehabilitation they require. In July 2023, WHO will be hosting the 3rd Global Rehabilitation 2030 meeting where we will discuss the adoption of this landmark resolution and the actions requested, and will launch key WHO technical products that will facilitate the implementation of the resolution in countries.

Texas will begin screening for cCMV for infants who fail the initial newborn screening test beginning September 1, 2023. This effort was supported by ACI Alliance State Champs, the National CMV Foundation and many more. We will continue to monitor and support additional bills.

NIH has issued a call for supplement applications to existing awards to encourage PIs to expand their current work to include a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The application due date is October 2, 2023.