Intervention for Children With Cochlear Implants: Maximizing Auditory Benefits of Bilateral Hearing

Abstract Bilateral cochlear implantation has become the standard of care for children with bilateral profound hearing loss. To achieve optimal benefit from bilateral cochlear implants, an intensive rehabilitation program focusing on auditory skills development is necessary. There are several aspects of rehabilitative intervention that are unique when serving children with bilateral cochlear implants. The following article highlights these aspects with specific focus on neuromaturation of the central auditory nervous system, effects of maturation on auditory processes, characteristics of therapy sessions for children with bilateral cochlear implants, research with children with bilateral cochlear implants and implications for therapy, and case studies describing auditory verbal therapy and auditory skills training for children with bilateral cochlear implants.