CI in private practice?

[NLaudio]

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Hi there,

I have an interest in cochlear implants but hope to one day set up private practice. I'm wondering if it is common for audiologist in private practice to map CIs and continue to manage CI patients. Do many independent audiologists work with CI patients or does this only occur in hospital settings? I realize patients will have to be referred to ENT for surgery in either case.

(I am only starting my audiology degree in September so I don't know much!)

Thanks!

 

[TheEarDoc]

The only way you will CI patients in any numbers to make it worthwhile will be
1. Large hospital setting such as a surgery center or University medical center
2. University clinic in a large city
3. Working as an Audiologist for a large ENT/Otology group

Even in the VA being 2 hours from a major surgery center we only have about 10-20 CI patients.

 

[cidanu]

you will definitely need a rotation in a hospital to get the experience to learn. private practices with CI clients are in the minority and as mentioned, their numbers tend to be small. there are some non-profits that do it.

i think most people continue to get services at the CI center where they had the surgery. some patients prefer to go elsewhere for mapping after their initial mapping sessions if they don't live close to the CI center. sometimes CI centers can be super busy too so people could seek services elsewhere for a more personalized experience.

 

[Kitska]

I actually have heard of rare instances of independent CI audiologists. There is a very good one in the San Diego area, I believe. But yes, the vast majority are associated with hospital clinics. There are some associated with schools for the deaf.

If you want to research CI centers, go to any one of the CI manufacturer websites (Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, MedEl) and look at their "Clinic Finder" link. That can be fun.