1 Lt Nicole Cioni
Staff Audiologist, WHMC
WHMC implemented a new cochlear implant (CI) board process approximately a year ago to include such professionals as: Audiologists, Speech–Language Pathologists, Neurotologist, social work, psychology and developmental pediatrician. Working together the board determines if a particular patient is a good candidate for an implant. Since this new board process Dr. Horlbeck, Neurotologist, has performed nine CI surgeries at WHMC. We currently have two surgeries scheduled within the next month and five other patients are currently in the evaluation process. Through this new process the board has been able to defer five individuals who were deemed poor candidates for the device, thus saving them from going through unnecessary surgery. Some of the reasons for deferment are: health status, get adequate gain from current amplification, lack of family support etc. WHMC currently has a caseload of 26 CI patients. The patients age range is 12 months–67 years old, most are dependents of active duty or retired members. We do have one active duty patient that was implanted February 2002, he is doing very well for having had the implant only 7 months, he is back to work but still has problems using the telephone. His case was discussed at MASC 2002, and there will be an update at MASC 2003 by Lt’s Tay and Cioni. Lt Tay is currently the Primary OPR for the 59 MDW Cochlear Implant program and Lt Cioni is the alternate OPR for the Program.
Other new exciting developments with the implant program are: Col Sierra and Maj Horlbeck are putting together a package to be submitted through the appropriate channels in order to to have WHMC’s CI program recognized as the DOD Center of Excellence for Cochlear Implants. Some of our future plans include training another staff member in order to maintain staff proficiency and continuity of care. Look for the February 2003 issue of Airman Magazine to learn more about the WHMC CI program and interview with our active duty CI patient.