Audiologists provide ongoing mapping services to children and adults fitted with cochlear implants. Needs vary from client to client but, in general, more regular mapping is required immediately post-implant, and at times of critical development (e.g., puberty).  At the very least, annual mapping is necessary.  Many people fitted with implants do not live near an audiology clinic and have to travel long distances to receive the service they need.

The impetus for this project came from the need for mapping using telehealth technology to ease some of the burden on children and their families who live outside major centres, and on audiology staff who frequently have to travel to visit clients. We are aware of one other report of mapping being performed remotely in a clinic in the US however no research about the validity of the technique has been published. In validating this approach, further information is required to verify the consistency between maps obtained remotely compared to those obtained in the traditional clinic setting for children in different age groups.