Specialized cochlear implant audiology — serving all of Utah
Cochlear Implant Services in Utah
Comprehensive cochlear implant care from candidacy evaluation through long-term follow-up. Beehive Hearing Solutions provides specialized audiologic services for adult and pediatric cochlear implant recipients — supporting all three major implant systems.
All Three Major Cochlear Implant Manufacturers
Beehive Hearing Solutions provides audiologic services for cochlear implant recipients using systems from all three major manufacturers. Whether you received your implant here in Utah or elsewhere, we can provide mapping, programming, and ongoing audiologic care.
Cochlear
The world's most widely implanted cochlear implant system. Dr. Dansie provides mapping and programming for Cochlear recipients, including support for the Nucleus processor family.
Recipient supportAdvanced Bionics
Advanced Bionics cochlear implants are known for their high-resolution sound processing. We provide mapping, programming, and audiologic follow-up for Advanced Bionics recipients.
Recipient supportMED-EL
MED-EL offers a range of cochlear implant and hearing implant solutions. We support MED-EL recipients with mapping, programming, and ongoing audiologic care.
Recipient supportCochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluations
A cochlear implant candidacy evaluation is a comprehensive audiologic assessment designed to determine whether a cochlear implant may be an appropriate treatment option for you or your child. The evaluation process is thorough, individualized, and designed to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Schedule an EvaluationComprehensive Diagnostic Hearing Testing
We begin with a full diagnostic audiologic evaluation — pure-tone audiometry, speech testing, and middle ear assessment — to precisely characterize the degree and configuration of hearing loss across all frequencies.
Hearing Aid Assessment and Verification
For patients who wear hearing aids, we assess how well those hearing aids are performing. If hearing aids have not been optimally fitted and verified with real-ear measurement, we address that first — because the goal is to ensure that hearing aids have been given a fair trial before cochlear implantation is considered.
Aided Speech Recognition Testing
We measure how well you understand speech while wearing your hearing aids in quiet and in noise. This is one of the most important components of the candidacy evaluation — it reflects your functional hearing ability with the best possible amplification in place.
Counseling and Realistic Expectations
We discuss what cochlear implants can and cannot do, what the surgical and rehabilitation process involves, and what outcomes are realistic based on your individual hearing history and circumstances. We want you to have an accurate picture before making any decisions.
Coordination with Implant Surgeons and Centers
If cochlear implantation appears to be an appropriate option, we coordinate with cochlear implant surgical centers and surgeons throughout Utah to facilitate the next steps in your care. We remain your audiologic partner throughout the process.
Cochlear Implant Mapping and Programming
What Is a Cochlear Implant Map?
A cochlear implant "map" is the individualized program that controls how your cochlear implant processes and delivers sound. It determines the electrical stimulation levels delivered to each electrode in the cochlea — the threshold levels (the softest sounds you can detect) and the comfort levels (the loudest sounds that remain comfortable).
Getting the map right is essential to how well you hear with your cochlear implant. A map that is too soft will leave you under-stimulated and struggling to hear. A map that is too loud can be uncomfortable and fatiguing. Skilled mapping finds the right balance for your individual auditory system.
Your map is not a one-time setting. In the weeks and months after activation, the auditory nerve adapts to electrical stimulation and your perception of sound changes. Regular mapping appointments allow us to update your program as your hearing evolves — particularly in the first year after implantation, when changes are most rapid.
Why Mapping Needs to Change Over Time
- Neural adaptation after activationIn the weeks and months following cochlear implant activation, the auditory nerve adapts to electrical stimulation. Sounds that initially seemed too loud may become comfortable, and the map needs to be updated to reflect these changes.
- Changes in hearing in the non-implanted earIf your hearing in the non-implanted ear changes over time, your overall hearing picture changes — and your cochlear implant programming may need to be adjusted accordingly.
- Processor upgradesWhen you upgrade to a new sound processor, your map needs to be transferred and verified in the new device. New processor generations may also offer new programming features that can improve your hearing outcomes.
- Changes in listening environments or communication demandsAs your life circumstances change — a new job, a change in communication demands, increased difficulty in specific environments — your programming can be adjusted to better address those needs.
- Troubleshooting and optimizationIf you notice that your cochlear implant is not performing as well as it used to, or if you are experiencing discomfort or unexpected sounds, a mapping appointment can identify and address the issue.
Schedule a Mapping Appointment
Already have a cochlear implant? Schedule a mapping or programming appointment at our Orem clinic. We welcome recipients from throughout Utah.
Ongoing Cochlear Implant Care
Cochlear implant care does not end after activation. Long-term audiologic follow-up is essential to maintaining and optimizing your hearing outcomes over time.
Mapping Adjustments
Scheduled and as-needed mapping appointments to update your cochlear implant program as your hearing and listening needs evolve.
Speech Recognition and Outcome Testing
Periodic speech recognition testing to monitor your progress, document outcomes, and identify areas where further programming adjustments may help.
Troubleshooting
Diagnosis and resolution of cochlear implant performance issues — unexpected sounds, changes in sound quality, discomfort, or device concerns.
Processor Counseling and Upgrade Support
Guidance on sound processor accessories, connectivity features, and when a processor upgrade may be appropriate. We help you understand your options and navigate the upgrade process.
Annual Audiologic Follow-Up
Annual hearing evaluations and cochlear implant performance reviews to monitor your hearing health and ensure your implant continues to serve you well.
Rehabilitation Guidance
Counseling on auditory rehabilitation strategies, listening practice resources, and approaches to help you get the most out of your cochlear implant over time.
Bimodal Hearing
Many cochlear implant recipients use a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. This combination — called bimodal hearing — can provide significant benefits for sound localization, music appreciation, and hearing in noise.
Bimodal hearing works best when both devices are optimally fitted and coordinated. The cochlear implant and hearing aid need to be programmed to complement each other — not compete. If the hearing aid is too loud or too soft relative to the cochlear implant, the brain has difficulty integrating the two signals effectively.
At Beehive Hearing Solutions, we provide comprehensive bimodal care — cochlear implant mapping, hearing aid fitting and real-ear measurement verification, and coordination between the two devices. We evaluate how well the two ears are working together and make adjustments to optimize your overall hearing experience.
If you currently use a cochlear implant and a hearing aid and feel that your hearing aid is not contributing meaningfully, it may be worth evaluating whether the hearing aid is optimally fitted. In some cases, a properly verified hearing aid fitting can make a significant difference in bimodal benefit.
Bimodal hearing works best when both devices are optimally fitted and coordinated — not just individually programmed.
Bimodal care at Beehive Hearing
- Cochlear implant mapping and programming
- Hearing aid fitting with real-ear measurement verification
- Coordination between cochlear implant and hearing aid
- Bimodal benefit evaluation
- Ongoing audiologic follow-up for both ears
Pediatric cochlear implant services
- Candidacy evaluations for infants, children, and adolescents
- Age-appropriate mapping and programming techniques
- Coordination with early intervention and school programs
- FM and Roger system compatibility guidance
- Family counseling and rehabilitation support
Pediatric Cochlear Implant Care
Cochlear implants can be life-changing for children with significant hearing loss — providing access to sound during the critical early years of speech and language development. Beehive Hearing Solutions provides specialized audiologic care for pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
Dr. Dansie holds the Pediatric Audiology Specialty Certificate (PASC) and has experience working with children at all stages of the cochlear implant process — from candidacy evaluation through long-term follow-up. Pediatric cochlear implant care requires specialized expertise, patience, and age-appropriate testing techniques.
Pediatric mapping appointments are adapted to the child's age and developmental level. For very young children, behavioral observation audiometry and other objective measures are used to guide programming decisions. As children grow, more direct feedback becomes possible and programming can be refined accordingly.
We work closely with families, early intervention programs, and school-based audiologists to support children with cochlear implants in all of their listening environments — at home, in school, and in the community.
When to Ask About a Cochlear Implant Evaluation
Cochlear implant candidacy has expanded significantly in recent years. You do not need to have profound hearing loss or no usable hearing to be a candidate. Many people who benefit from cochlear implants have meaningful residual hearing — but are not getting adequate benefit from hearing aids alone.
A cochlear implant evaluation is not a commitment to surgery. It is an information-gathering process that helps you understand your options. If you have questions about whether a cochlear implant evaluation might be appropriate, we encourage you to contact us.
Cochlear Implant Questions, Answered
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Prescription hearing aids fitted and verified with real-ear measurement
Comprehensive diagnostic hearing testing for adults and children
Specialized hearing care for infants, children, and adolescents
Credentials, experience, and approach to audiologic care
Schedule a cochlear implant evaluation or mapping appointment
Schedule a Cochlear Implant Evaluation
Find out whether a cochlear implant may be an appropriate option for you or your child. A candidacy evaluation is an information-gathering process — not a commitment to surgery.
Schedule an EvaluationSchedule a Mapping Appointment
Already have a cochlear implant? Schedule a mapping or programming appointment at our Orem clinic. We welcome recipients from throughout Utah.
Schedule a Mapping AppointmentOrem, Utah — serving patients throughout the state