Remote Cochlear Implant Services to Improve Veteran Outcomes.

Abstract

Purpose: Cochlear implants (CIs) are an effective strategy for managing patients with hearing loss who derive limited benefit from other treatment options. Although the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has made a strong effort to expand access to CI technology and onboard new CI sites across the country, access to consistent CI services can still be challenging. This is especially true for Veterans who reside in more rural and remote areas. The purpose of this tutorial is to describe various models of care and provide solutions that are replicable throughout the VHA for meeting the needs of our most severely hard of hearing Veterans.

Results: Routine availability of CI programming using telehealth options, such as clinical video telehealth (CVT) or VA video connect (VVC), significantly improve access to CI care. Other benefits of remote programming may include decreased wait times, less travel time and cost, and improved adherence to treatment plans. Additionally, aural rehabilitation for CI recipients can be performed remotely to improve outcomes. This innovative model for delivering audiology services will be described.

Conclusions: Remote care teleaudiology CI services available for Veterans in the VHA have the potential to improve outcomes in a cost-effective manner that is patient-centered and replicable across the enterprise. Implementing these strategies addresses the critical need to standardize telehealth practices for CI programming and rehabilitative interventions across the VHA. This program can give all Veterans access to CI care in an efficient manner, with reduced costs, result in fewer travel barriers, and allow for a more positive outcome for the VHA, its patients, and their families.