What happens when the cochlear implant field starts moving faster than the traditional care model?
In this episode of the CI Report, a special series from Doc Talk by MedAudPro, Dr. Susan Good is joined by Dr. Camille Dunn and Dr. Dan Zeitler for a post-meeting download from two major cochlear implant meetings: ACIA in Chicago and the 18th International Conference on Cochlear Implants in Warsaw, Poland.
Dr. Dunn brings the audiology perspective from both meetings, while Dr. Zeitler, Chair of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, offers insight from the physician and leadership side of the field.
Together, they unpack what felt new, what is gaining momentum, and what these conversations tell us about where cochlear implant care is heading next.
What You’ll Hear:
The Energy at ACIA: Why this year’s meeting felt different, with more practical takeaways, broader engagement, and renewed momentum across the field
From Research to Real-World Practice: How programming, mapping, follow-up models, and patient-reported outcomes are becoming more central to clinical care
A More Patient-Centered Model: Why cochlear implant care is moving away from rigid protocols and toward individualized follow-up, activation timing, programming, and outcome measurement
The Rise of Remote Care and Telehealth: How new tools may help reduce unnecessary clinic visits while preserving strong patient outcomes
Programming as a Clinical Priority: Why practical programming education drew major interest and what clinicians are looking to bring back to their own clinics
Fully Implantable Cochlear Implants: What the field is watching and what questions remain
AI in Programming and Rehab: How artificial intelligence may shape oral rehabilitation, programming support, personalization, and future outcome improvement
Beyond Speech Scores: Why quality of life, psychosocial well-being, listening effort, and patient-reported outcomes are becoming increasingly important measures of success
Hearing Loss as a Societal Issue: Why the field may need to shift the conversation from hearing loss as an individual problem to a public health and societal challenge
Dr. Dunn and Dr. Zeitler offer a practical look at the trends shaping cochlear implant care, from fully implantable systems and AI to follow-up models, programming strategies, and the growing importance of personalized care.
Who should listen?
Audiologists, otolaryngologists, neurotologists, cochlear implant teams, hearing healthcare professionals, students, residents, fellows, researchers, healthcare administrators, industry partners, and anyone interested in where cochlear implant care is heading.
If you have ever wondered what leaders in the field are talking about behind the scenes, what new ideas are starting to influence clinical care, or how cochlear implant medicine is evolving beyond traditional models, this episode offers a valuable look at what is coming next.
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This episode is sponsored by Envoy Medical.