TIME FOR A NEW MAP?
Map adjustments may be made during initial activation, regular follow-up or due to parent or teacher concerns. So how do we know when a map adjustment is needed? What information is helpful to the audiologist as he/she is making these adjustments? Below are some helpful hints.
Contact the child’s implant center if:
- Child is requesting more frequent repetitions
- Decrease in quality of previously mastered speech sounds
- Decrease in auditory behaviors/responsiveness
- Change in quality, frequency or volume of vocalizations
- Behavioral changes such as withdraw or disruption
- Signs of physical discomfort or facial twitching
What the implant center will want to know:
- Which map is being used most frequently?
- How long has the child been using this map?
- Does background noise interfere with performance in this map?
- Does the child begin his/her day with a quieter map and gradually use this program?
- Are there any sounds that are uncomfortable or startling? How does the child respond to these sounds?
- What changes have you noticed since the last map change?
- Has there been any decrease in the child’s detection of any speech sounds?
- Has there been any change in speech production?
- How many hours per day does the child use the implant?
- How long is the battery life? Which battery is being used?
- Is the dri-aid kit being used daily?
- Has there been any problem with the function of the headset or processor?
- Has there been any irritation of the skin underneath the transmitting coil?
