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Listening @ ACI Alliance
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.
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CI2026 Chicago | Upcoming Dates
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Conference Dates: Wednesday, May 6 – Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Student Scholarship Applications Opening - October 1, 2025
- Abstract Selection for Presentation Notification - November 2025
- Registration Opening - December 3, 2025
- Selected Presenter Registration Deadline - December 22
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Join ACI Alliance members, colleagues and industry partners at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel for the CI2026 Conference on Cochlear Implants.
Room Block Rates starting at $289 plus tax. The cut-off date to receive the special group rate is April 13, 2026.
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Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
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Members with Hearing Loss
Led by: Viral Tejani AuD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Senior Research Audiologist & Subdivision Leader, Cochlear Implant Program
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Elaine Smolen PhD, CED, LSLS Cert. AVEd
Visiting Assistant Professor
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
Department of Health and Behavior Studies
Teachers College, Columbia University
Student Mentorship
Led by: two recent graduates (TBD)
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One of the most significant aspects of our organizational growth is the member-driven push to establish and own special interest groups or SIGs, allowing members to meet together to explore and take action on important issues.
During CI2026 Chicago, we will have five special interest groups meet during lunchtime. Be sure to watch for sign-up and attend the luncheon that interest you.
Educators of Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Led by: Alexandria Mestres MSEd
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Educational Specialist
South Florida Charter Schools
University of Miami Children’s Hearing Program
Kameron Carden PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Education
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Samford University School of Health Professions
Adult Aural Rehabilitation
Led by: Blair Richlin MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS AVEd
Speech-Language Pathologist
Mass Eye and Ear
Veterans Affairs & Hearing Loss
This new SIG will focus on navigating the VA system pertaining to hearing loss benefits - the number one disability by prior service members.
Led by: Stacey Sturgulewski AuD
Edward Hines Jr Va Hospital
Hines, IL
Elicia M Pillion AuD
Hearing Implant Program Manager
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Audiology and Speech Pathology Center
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Cochlear Implant Connections for Teens
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In case you missed Lexi's Back to School Webinar: Talking to Teachers About Hearing Loss, you can view the recorded webinar and download a copy of her presentation. Be on the lookout for her next webinar to take place in early November. Sign-ups coming soon!
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Powering Potential | A Podcast by Hearing First
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Powering Potential series explores the unique joys and challenges of teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. Hosted by Dr. Teresa Caraway, this podcast dives deep into the challenges, emotions, and practical aspects you may encounter on your journey.
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Individual Education Plan | FAQs and More
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An IEP for a student who is hard of hearing addresses their individual communication and learning needs. The team takes into account the student’s language and communication style, social-emotional development, academic performance, and overall support needs. Based on this, the IEP outlines personalized goals, services, and supports—such as hearing technology or strategic classroom seating—to ensure the student has equal access to learning in the least restrictive environment.
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Eligibility for VA Hearing Technology Assistance
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Below is overview of who may qualify for a cochlear implant through the VA system. An evaluation by the VA will determine candidacy within the VA. We encourage Veterans who believe that they may be eligible for CI services to contact their local VA system for further information. Veterans must receive a hearing evaluation by a state-licensed audiologist to determine eligibility for hearing aids or cochlear implants and to establish medical justification for VA provision of these devices and related services.
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ACI Alliance will be participating in the exhibit hall of the convention - stop by our booth! The ASHA Convention is one of the largest professional development events for audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; and speech-language pathology and audiology assistants.
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Tip of the month: It’s IEP time! IEPs are an excellent way to advocate for CI access and for your child/self at a hyper local level. Read more about IEPs here and how to best advocate for your right to an education.
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ITEM Coalition Support for a More Robust Pathway for Medicare Coverage of Breakthrough Technologies
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The ITEM Coalition urges CMS to move forward with a much more robust and streamlined coverage pathway—similar to the Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (“MCIT”) framework—providing time-limited Medicare coverage for FDA-designated breakthrough technologies upon a determination that they are safe and effective. Read the full letter below.
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ACI Alliance Thank You Letter to Senate Appropriators for EHDI Funding
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American Cochlear Implant Alliance actively advocated for inclusion of funding for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) in the Federal FY2026 budget. We were grateful for inclusion for EHDI funding in the Senate budget and expressed our appreciation to the Senate Appropriators.
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Authored by: Jordan McNair; Jennifer Coto; Simon I. Angeli; Michelle Coppola; Samantha Espinal; Chrisanda M. Sanchez; Ivette Cejas; Meredith A. Holcomb
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Effects of a global pandemic on access to cochlear implantation in children with congenital hearing loss
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Results of this study concluded that COVID-19 did not delay cochlear implants for children—in fact, many got their second implant faster. Families, whether English- or Spanish-speaking, had equal access to hearing care.
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Authored by: Aneesh A. Patel, Jessica R. Levi, Peter C. Weber
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Examining the Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Language on Pursuit of Cochlear Implantation
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Researchers compared people who chose cochlear implants with those who did not and also compared White and non-White patients. They used different statistical tests to study the groups.
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Social Outcomes Among Adults With Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants | A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Authored by: Kaitlin Hori; Rishabh Shah; Akhil Paladugu
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Using hearing aids or cochlear implants can help people have better social lives. This may prevent isolation and related health problems.
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Authored by: Katelyn A Berg, Terrin N Tamati, Aaron C Moberly
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Predictors of Early and Long-Term Sound Quality Ratings in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
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People with cochlear implants noticed their sound quality improved for about 6 months after activation. Early sound quality was better if the implant was placed well and if the person had stronger word recognition before surgery.
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Like what you’ve seen? There is no obligation to join to continue receiving Listening but if you wish to be more involved in ACI Alliance, explore the opportunities for membership.
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P.O. Box 103 | McLean, VA 22101-0103 | Phone: 703.534.6146
Website: https://www.acialliance.org
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