A cochlear implant (CI) is one of the best devices that helps people with hearing loss. Generally, the CI process requires time and investment, so it is important to achieve the desired results. Verbal ability is one of the important outcomes of CI and auditory rehabilitation is the last step and it necessary for make a result. Most of the time, verbal ability is delayed and this causes frustration in families. Having reliable tools for monitoring changes in the auditory system is beneficial. The evaluation of auditory performance not only in the peripheral but also in the central auditory system can be used for track of auditory rehabilitation results. Complex items such as words and syllables are better than simple items such as pure tones for assessing the auditory system. Therefore, it seems that use of the electrophysiological tools such as speech ABR can be valuable in monitoring auditory rehabilitation in CI recipients even in children who cannot provide subjective responses.

Advanced electrophysological studies in audiology (fnirs-pupilometry, EEG testing)

Description:

the round table discussion titled "cochlear implants in developing countries: challenges and innovations" aims to bring together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of audiology to explore the cochlear implant ecosystem in low-resource settings. The discussion will delve into the major barriers faced by different programs, and it will spotlight innovative solutions and successful case studies that highlight effective strategies, community-based approaches, and technological advancements designed to improve access to cochlear implants in developing countries.

outcome objectives:

1. Collaboratively identify the primary challenges and barriers to cochlear implant accessibility in developing regions, including financial, educational, and logistical obstacles.

2. Describe existing programs and innovative solutions that have effectively addressed these challenges

3. Encourage partnerships among healthcare providers to create sustainable initiatives aimed at improving cochlear implant services.

background:

cochlear implants offer a transformative intervention for those with severe to profound hearing loss, yet their availability in resource-limited settings remains insufficient. Many potential candidates face significant barriers, including high costs, limited healthcare infrastructure, insufficiently trained personnel, and a lack of awareness about the benefits of cochlear implants.

despite these challenges, there have been remarkable innovations in the field that have shown promise in enhancing access to cochlear advancement. This round table discussion seeks to harness the collective expertise of its participants to address these pressing issues, sharing knowledge and insights that could lead to sustainable improvements in care for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in developing nations.

Introduction - Mark Laureyns (Thomas More University College Antwerp - CRS Amplifon – former co-chair of the Make Listening Safe Workstream)

Ear and Hearing Care in Nigeria – Aderinola Olopade (Audiologist – Ear Care Foundation Nigeria – Co-chair of the Make Listening Safe Workstream)

Ear and Hearing Care in Panama – Amarilis Melendez (Otorhinolaryngologist in Panama & former co-chair of the Make Listening Safe Workstream)

The WHO initiatives to promote hearing care in developing countries - Carolina Der (Technical Officer Ear and Hearing Care Programme, WHO Geneva)

Hearing loss has emerged as one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Recent advances in hearing technology have opened new frontiers in understanding how auditory rehabilitation can influence brain plasticity and cognitive health.

the ECHHO program (enhancing cognitive health through hearing optimization) represents a pioneering initiative that integrates clinical evidence, user data, and innovative hearing aid technologies to explore the link between hearing aid use and cognitive outcomes. This program provides new insights into how personalized amplification strategies, real-life data collection, and machine learning can support cognitive engagement and reduce listening effort.

Cognitive effects of hearing aid use in geriatric individuals

The relation between hearing loss and employment is well document and in the WHO World Report on Hearing you can read “An association between hearing loss and employment in adults is evident and adults with hearing loss have increased odds of unemployment or underemployment”.

The impact of hearing care and empowerment on employment is needs to get more attention. Informing and guiding hard of hearing people and their employers on how to be successful at work is a challenge for audiologists, and many other health and social workers.

Method:

We developed a survey on this topic, joint with EFHOH (the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People), AEA (European Association of Hearing Aid Professional) and the audiology department of the Thomas University College of Applied Sciences in Antwerp, where we used the International Outcomes Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), which we also adapted for Cochlear Implant users (IOI-CI), and questions for hard of hearing people using hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive devices on their experiences, needs, solutions, information and support at work. This survey was first evaluated by English native speakers, adjusted and then translated in 10 languages. After proofreading by native speakers of this language, the survey was distributed to all EFHOH and AEA member associations and networks.

Results:

70% of the subjects use or used hearing aids and 30% cochlear implants.

49% are or were full-time employed, 23% part-time, 16% is currently retired, others are unemployed, student or other.

95% of the participants state that their hearing aids or cochlear implants were at least moderately worth the trouble, 85% indicated that they improved at least moderately the situations at work, where they wanted to hear better and > 89% report they improved their enjoyment of life .

95% need to communicate regularly or more at work, and the acoustics at work are in 82% of the cases poor, very poor or average.

75% experience difficulties to communicate at work, 59% indicate their hearing loss affects their performance at work.

86% indicate, that the workplace culture regarding hearing loss and inclusion, needs to improve. 31% reported negative experiences related to exclusion or discrimination at work, but in 82% of the cases, the issue was not resolved or even got worse.

On the question “Who informed you about the possible support you could receive as a hard of hearing person at the workplace?”, 53% responded they were not informed, and only 8% was informed by their hearing care professional (ENT or audiologist).

Description: this presentation will explore how various types of listening and hearing difficulties impact musical perception, drawing from a wide range of auditory conditions including sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, single-sided deafness, and users of hearing aids or cochlear implants. Rather than focusing solely on hearing loss, the session will provide a broader overview of how different hearing profiles affect the perception of musical elements such as pitch, melody, rhythm, and timbre. The presentation will also examine how amplification technologies influence musical experiences, and how music perception differs across populations with varying auditory capacities. Through this multifaceted approach, the talk aims to shed light on the complex interaction between hearing and music, while also highlighting gaps in current clinical practices.

outcome objectives:

• to demonstrate how different hearing conditions—ranging from mild hearing loss to profound deafness—affect musical perception.

• to discuss how hearing aids and cochlear implants influence the perception of pitch, melody, and rhythm.

• to raise awareness about the role of music perception as a sensitive indicator of auditory function across clinical populations.

• to encourage audiologists and clinicians to consider music perception in assessment and rehabilitation planning.

• to advocate for the development of music-based tools that can enhance auditory outcomes in individuals with hearing loss and listening difficulty.

background: musical perception involves intricate auditory processing skills, including frequency discrimination, temporal sequencing, and sound pattern recognition. These skills can be significantly affected not only by central auditory processing disorders but also by peripheral hearing loss and auditory asymmetries. For instance, individuals with single-sided deafness may experience spatial and harmonic imbalance, while tinnitus sufferers may report disrupted pitch perception. Hearing aids and cochlear implants, though successful in improving speech intelligibility, often provide a limited or distorted musical experience due to constraints in frequency resolution and dynamic range. Understanding the specific challenges faced by each group can help improve device programming, rehabilitation strategies, and patient satisfaction. This presentation will draw on existing research and clinical observations to explore the musical perception challenges and potentials of individuals with diverse hearing backgrounds, aiming to integrate music perception more deeply into audiological care.