Find a comprehensive list of resources here, along with free video tapes.
Cochlear Implant Resources
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This page contains links for more information on cochlear implant manufacturers; professional organizations; resources for parents, students, professionals, recipients, and potential cochlear implant candidates; scholarship information for Deaf or hard-of-hearing students; and support groups and clubs for cochlear implant recipients and their families. Each link below will take you to a brief synopsis of each organization, a description of what you will find at their website, and a direct link to the organization’s own website.
Our clinic also has a number of closed-captioned videos from device manufacturers that are available free of charge to candidates or recipients and their families. These videos cover various topics related to cochlear implants, including how a cochlear implant works, what to expect at the initial stimulation, hearing rehabilitation, and chronicles of speech and language acquisition in young cochlear implant recipients.
Cochlear Implant Manufacturers:
Advanced Bionics Corporation
Cochlear Corporation
Med-El Corporation
Professional Organizations:
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
American Academy of Otolaryngology
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
Resources:
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
Auditory-Verbal International
BabyHearing.org
Beginning Services
Bionic Ear Institute
Deafness Research Foundation
Electronic Deaf Education Network (EDEN)
Healthy Hearing
Hear in Dallas Inc.
Hearing Center Online
Listen-Up Web
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NIDCD National Temporal Bone Registry
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Oberkotter Foundation/Oral Deaf Education
PBS: The Sound and the Fury
Sonicpuzzle.com
Scholarships:
Alexander Graham Bell Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
Geoffrey Foundation
Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship
Minnie Pearl Scholarship
Sertoma International Scholarships
Yes I Can! Foundation for Exceptional Children
Support Groups & Clubs:
Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA)
Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss (AMPHL)
Cochlear Implant Association, Inc. (CIAI)
Lions Club
Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH)
Sertoma Club
Advanced Bionics Corporation (ABC) (top)
Advanced Bionics Corporation (ABC) is the manufacturer of the Clarion cochlear implant. ABC, based in Valencia, CA, is also the developer and manufacturer of biomedical devices that provide relief from urinary incontinence as well as chronic pain. The Clarion cochlear implant was developed in conjunction with researchers at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) in North Carolina. The Clarion cochlear implant was approved by the FDA for use in adults in 1996 and for children in 1997. Since that time, multiple upgrades have been made for both the internal and external portions of the device. Additional information about ABC or its products can be found online at: www.advancedbionics.com or www.cochlearimplant.com.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (top)
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) was founded in 1890. AG Bell is the world’s oldest and largest membership organization promoting the use of auditory learning and spoken language by children and adults with hearing loss. AG Bell’s mission is: Advocating Independence Through Listening and Talking. This website provides comprehensive information in regard to hearing loss including: facts about hearing loss, communication modalities, early identification of hearing loss, hearing technology, educational membership, adult rehabilitation and advocacy and legal issues. This site hosts an “ask an expert” link that can provide valuable insight to a specific query. Additional website components of importance include information on publications, financial aid and scholarships, a directory of services (listed by state), and a bookstore. Additional information can be found at www.agbell.org
Alexander Graham Bell Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs (top)
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers various educational scholarship awards for individuals with hearing loss. These include parent-infant/pre-school services awards, school-age awards, arts and sciences awards, and college scholarship awards. Application procedures as well as eligibility guidelines can be found online at: http://www.agbell.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?p=Awards
American Academy of Audiology (AAA) (top)
The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) is a professional organization that many audiologists belong to. The AAA website contains information for professionals as well as consumers. Consumers can visit the AAA website to find tips on how to understand an audiogram, coping with hearing loss, how to purchase a hearing aid, information on tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or how to locate an audiologist in your area. Additional information can be found online at: www.audiology.org.
American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO-NHS) (top)
The American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-NHS) is a professional organization that many otolaryngology (head and neck) doctors belong to. The AAO-NHS web site discusses the differences between “normal hearing”, “hearing impaired”, and “hearing with a cochlear implant”. Also discussed is what types of evaluations must be performed for a person to be considered a cochlear implant candidate. http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/ears/cochlear-implant.cfm
American Academy of Pediatrics (top)
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization that was founded in 1930. The academy consists of approximately 57,000 member pediatricians that are dedicated to the health of all children. Their mission is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. This site provides valuable information in regard to preventative care and advocacy. Access to the link Bright Futures is an added bonus. AAP’s major activities include the promotion of professional education and the execution of original research within this field. This site contains access to publications that specifically target the special developmental and health needs of children. Publications on infant hearing screening and early intervention are informative and helpful. Additional information can be found online at: www.aap.org
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) (top)
The ASCD, founded in 1967, is a non-profit organization of parents/families and professionals whose purpose is to provide support, encouragement, and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. ASDC supplies information and support to families to ensure that their decisions and actions are based on up-to-date and accurate knowledge. ASDC promotes a positive attitude toward signing and Deaf culture. More information can be found at: www.deafchildren.org
American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) (top)
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) was the first professional credentialing organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The ASHA website contains information for professionals as well as consumers. Consumers can visit the ASHA website to find information on hearing/balance or speech/language/swallowing, obtain a list of resources, request information packets, or find out how to locate an audiologist in your area. Additional information can be found online at: www.asha.org.
A list of organizations that sponsor self-help groups for individuals with hearing and/or balance disorders is available at: www.asha.org/public/outreach/hearing-web/hear_self-help.htm.
Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) (top)
ALD is a support network for post-lingually (after language development) deafened adults. ALDA works collaboratively with various organizations around the world that serve the needs of late-deafened adults. The ALDA website (www.alda.org) contains information regarding membership, chapters, and the ALDA annual conference.
Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss (AMPHL) (top)
This is a non-profit organization founded in 2000 that aims “to provide information, promote advocacy and mentorship, and create a network for individuals with hearing losses interested in or working in health care fields”. The AMPHL website contains information on academic and professional issues, a list of articles and books, as well as on-line forums and a chat room. For more information, visit: www.amphl.org
Auditory-Verbal International (top)
Auditory-Verbal International (AVI) is an organization that promotes the use of the Auditory-Verbal approach to teach children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to use even minimal amounts of amplified residual hearing or hearing through electrical stimulation (cochlear implants) to listen, to process verbal language, and to speak. AVI is also the governing body that oversees the certification process of auditory-verbal therapists worldwide. The AVI website, www.auditory-verbal.org, contains a parent page, scholarship information, a directory of service providers, and links to other websites related to auditory-verbal therapy.
BabyHearing.org (top)
The Baby Hearing website was developed by Dr. Mary Pat Moeller at Boys Town National Research Hospital in conjunction with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The website aims to answer parents’ questions about infant hearing screening and follow-up testing, steps to take after the diagnosis of hearing loss, hearing loss and amplification, speech and language development, and parenting issues. Visit www.babyhearing.org for more information.
Beginning Services (top)
This is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina. Established in 1987, it was founded to provide support to people age birth to 21. Their website: www.beginningssvcs.com offers information on early detection of hearing loss, communication options, tips for planning educational programs, and working with educational and auditory professionals. Other areas of interest include: information on cochlear implants, hearing tests, financial aid options, and frequently asked questions. Beginning Services also offers a weekly chat room on Tuesday evening (8 pm Eastern Standard Time) to discuss current issues for adults with hearing loss and parents of children with hearing loss.
Bionic Ear Institute (top)
Research on the bionic ear system has been done at Melbourne University since the 1960’s. This program, created in 1983, continues the medical research started at the university. This website offers a history of the bionic ear, first implanted in 1973 by Graeme Clark, and information on the newest types of implants available. Also shown are pictures of various processors, headpieces and implants. For those students interested in studying abroad, they offer bachelor, masters and post-doctorate learning programs in this field. For more information, go to www.bionicear.org.
Cochlear Corporation (top)
The Nucleus cochlear implant is manufactured by Cochlear Corporation, which is based in Melbourne, Australia. The U.S. office, Cochlear Americas, is based in Englewood, Colorado. This device was developed from Professor Graeme Clark’s early work at the University of Melbourne, Australia. The Nucleus 22 was the world’s first commercially available multi-channel cochlear implant, and was approved by the FDA in 1985 for use in profoundly hearing-impaired adults. FDA approval of the Nucleus 22 was granted for use in profoundly hearing-impaired children in 1990. Since that time, candidacy requirements have changed and multiple upgrades have been made for both the internal and external portions of the device. Additional information about Cochlear Corporation or its products can be found online at: www.cochlear.com
Cochlear Implant Association, Inc. (CIAI) (top)
The Cochlear Implant Association, Inc. (formerly Cochlear Implant Club International, Inc.) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting and supporting individuals who are considering or have received a cochlear implant. Additional information about CIAI can be found at: www.cici.org. A list of CIAI chapters and links to other professional organizations, manufacturers, additional resources and personal cochlear implant websites can be found at: http://www.cici.org/links.html.
Deafness Research Foundation (top)
Founded in 1958, the Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) is the leading source of private funding for basic and clinical research in hearing science. The DRF is committed to making lifelong hearing health a national priority by funding research and implementing education projects in both the government and private sectors. In effect, DRF is the “venture capital” arm of hearing research, annually awarding grants to promising young researchers and established researchers to explore new avenues of hearing science. For more information, visit www.drf.org.
Electronic Deaf Education Network (EDEN) (top)
The Electronic Deaf Education Network (EDEN) focuses on the topic of hearing loss in children. This website is generated by an audiologist who has a deaf son and a hearing daughter. EDEN topics range from a virtual museum of ancient hearing aids to the identification of types of hearing loss. EDEN offers a list of treatments available and support groups for parents. Visit the website for more information: http://www.bradingrao.com/toc.htm.
Geoffrey Foundation (top)
The Geoffrey Foundation was established in 1989 by parents of a child diagnosed with profound hearing loss. The foundation provides financial support to families who are committed to the auditory-verbal approach, to college students who use spoken language to communicate, and to research programs that focus on advancing amplification technology and/or finding cures for hearing loss. Visit www.auditory-verbal.org/AVIOther.asp#The%20Geoffrey%20Foundation for more information.
Graeme Clark Cochlear Scholarship (top)
The Graeme Clark Scholarship is a financial award that is available to Nucleus ® cochlear implant recipients worldwide.The award is named in honor of the University of Melbourne Professor who has done pioneering work in the area of cochlear implants. The Scholarship consists of financial assistance toward a minimum three-year undergraduate degree at an accredited university and is paid in annual installments on the completion of each year of study. In the Cochlear Americas region, the amount awarded is US$3,000 a year for a maximum of 4 years. Additional information can be found at www.cochlearamericas.com/Community/30.asp
Healthy Hearing (top)
The Healthy Hearing website is an internet-based resource for information on hearing loss, hearing aids, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), cochlear implants, dizziness, and other hearing health topics. It features articles written by hearing health professionals, an on-line hearing screening test, a testimonial section, and an “Ask the Expert” column. Visit www.healthyhearing.com for more information.
Hear in Dallas Inc. (top)
This is a web site with a question and answer format focusing in on parents most frequently asked questions on cochlear implants for children. www.hearindallas.com/3hearing.html
Hearing Center Online (top)
This website features numerous products and resources for individuals with hearing loss and their families. Features include answers to frequently asked questions, a video of how the ear works, stories from people with hearing loss, how to understand a hearing test, updates on products and technology, and many other interesting items. Learn more by visiting www.hearingcenteronline.com.
Listen-Up Web (top)
This is an extensive website with comprehensive information on different aspects of hearing loss, including information on cochlear implants. This site was created by a parent of a child diagnosed with profound hearing loss. The web site also features a listserv that parents of deaf/hard-of-hearing children may join. For more information, visit www.listen-up.org.
Lions Club (top)
Lions Club International is the world’s largest volunteer organization with over one million members in 193 countries around the world. With the motto, “We Serve”, Lions Club is dedicated to building a brighter future for the global community. Programs include hearing awareness and hearing loss support programs. For example, various chapters in the United States and around the world have donated assistive listening devices, conducted hearing screenings, and provided scholarships to deaf/hard-of-hearing students. For more information, visit the organization website at: www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.shtml.
Med-El Corporation (top)
Medical Electronics (Med-El) Corporation, based in Innsbruck, Austria, manufactures the Combi 40+ cochlear implant system. Med-El also produces the Vibrant Soundbridge ® middle ear device and the Stiwell ® neuromuscular stimulator. The Med-El cochlear implant was developed by Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair in the late 1970’s. At present, there are pediatric and adult Med-El implant recipients in 70 countries worldwide. In the United States, FDA approval for the Combi 40+ cochlear implant was obtained in 2001. Information about Med-El Corporation and its products can be found at: www.medel.com
Minnie Pearl Scholarship (top)
Spearheaded by The Ear Foundation, the Minnie Pearl Scholarship Foundation awards several $2,500 scholarships to exceptional deaf/hard-of-hearing students who will be attending prestigious colleges or universities across the United States.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) (top)
NICHCY, now called the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities, is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. This website provides information about recent research and how it relates to children with disabilities. The website is geared toward educators, administrators and families. Features of the site include disability-related resources by state, full-text articles, and a Spanish version of the website. Visit www.nichcy.org for more information.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (top)
The NIDCD is part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDCD provides a large source of financial support for research related to deafness and other communication disorders. The NIDCD also provides training and funding opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in research related to communication disorders. Other features of the website include health information, free publications, information for educators and students, and a Spanish version of the site. Visit www.nidcd.nih.gov for more information.
NIDCD National Temporal Bone Registry (top)
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established the National Temporal Bone, Hearing and Balance Pathology Resource Registry in 1992. The National Temporal Bone Registry exists so that researchers can study human temporal bones to better understand disease processes that affect hearing, balance, and facial nerve function. Outcomes from this research help to confirm clinical diagnoses made during life, and evaluate how effective various medical and surgical treatments are. For more information, visit www.tbregistry.org.
Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (top)
The Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing aims to improve quality of life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people of all ages by providing assistance, advocacy, and access to services and information. For more information, visit www.nol.org/home/NCDHH/.
Oberkotter Foundation/Oral Deaf Education (top)
The Oberkotter Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the Oral Deaf Education website. This website aims to provide information regarding oral deaf education, including a listing of auditory-oral education centers worldwide as well as resources for parents and professionals. The Oberkotter Foundation also distributes free videos and materials on oral education. For more information, visit www.oraldeafed.org.
PBS: The Sound and the Fury (top)
This 2001 Emmy Award Nominated Program focuses on the Deaf culture and the impact cochlear implants have had on the Deaf community. This web site offers the history of Deaf culture in the United States and opinions of both non-cochlear implant and cochlear implant users. Additional features include a discussion area, lesson plans for educators, interactive sign language program and extensive information on the history of cochlear implants and how the cochlear implants work. For more information, visit www.pbs.org/wnet/soundandfury/index.html
Self-Help for the Hard of Hearing (SHHH) (top)
SHHH is the United States’ largest organization for individuals with hearing loss. Their web site features articles on coming to terms with hearing loss late in life, hearing loss fact sheets, information about coping with hearing loss in the work environment, and finding a support group within your area. The links page provides numerous links in the areas of Captioning Resources, Education/Children with Hearing Loss, Employment, Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants, Medicine/Research/Audiology, and an extensive list of other resources on the web. For more information, visit www.hearingloss.org.
Sertoma Club (top)
The Sertoma Club is an international non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with speech, language, and hearing disorders. There are over 20,000 members in nearly 700 clubs across Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Every year Sertoma clubs raise more than $20 million for local community service projects. Grants and scholarships are also available through this organization. For more information, visit www.sertoma.org.
Sertoma International Scholarships (top)
The Sertoma International Foundation awards $1,000 scholarships to eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing college students in the United States and Canada. This amount can be used toward tuition, for books, and for supplies. More information can be found online at: www.sertoma.org/General/Scholarships.htm
Sonicpuzzle.com (top)
This website contains various cochlear implant simulations. One can select the stimulus (e.g. man talking, dog barking, etc.) as well as the number of cochlear implant channels (from 2 to 32). More information can be found at www.sonicpuzzle.com/CochlearImplants.
Yes I Can! Foundation for Exceptional Children (top)
The Yes I Can! Foundation for Exceptional Children awards scholarships to individuals with special needs who are entering post-secondary school for the first time. Additional information and application procedures can be found at: http://yesican.sped.org/scholarship/index.html.