The tool in action

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"Ronald had an unsuccessful left ear cochlear implant/re-implant from a Virginia clinic (his surgery was 4 years ago and re-implant was 2 years ago with only partial insertion so he is not deriving functional benefit from the device). He has since moved to Florida, so I was scheduled to see him to conduct the audiological cochlear implant candidate evaluation for his right ear prior to his ENT appointment scheduled later that day. At the conclusion of our audiometric test battery, I sat down with him and used the Living Well tool to address his communication needs. "The Ida tool was useful for us to identify and share important communication situations in his daily life to formulate his aural rehabilitation plan (communication and technology strategies). I have typed the instructions out and keep them handy in the box, as this tool is valuable for my interactions with patients who have severe to profound SNHL and appreciate the visual aspect to aid our dialogue in their person-centered cochlear implant journey."

Dr. Carrie Spangler shared this video of her using the tool with Katie, a 12-year-old girl with hearing loss. Here's what Carrie had to say about Katie's case:

Katie is in 6th grade (12 years old). Katie has a bilateral genetic “cookie bite” sensorineural hearing loss that has progressed from a mild to a moderate loss over time. She was initially diagnosed at the age of 5 years of age. Katie currently wears bilateral hearing aids and uses a personal FM system at school. Academically Katie performs well at school with the accommodations that are place for her in the classroom environment.