Cochlear Implant Mentorship Program for Audiologists to Improve Veteran Outcomes

PURPOSE: Cochlear implants (CIs) offer substantial benefits to individuals with severe-profound hearing loss who receive limited improvement from traditional amplification. Within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), access to specialized CI services is challenged by geographic disparities, limited workforce capacity, and inconsistent training opportunities. This tutorial outlines the development, implementation, and outcomes of a national CI mentorship program designed to expand access to and improve the quality of CI care across the VHA. METHOD: A national needs assessment was administered to VHA audiologists to identify barriers to CI service delivery. Findings highlighted limited numbers of CI-trained providers, significant travel burden for Veterans, and inconsistent availability of aural rehabilitation. In an attempt to increase access for Veterans, a structured mentorship framework was established, pairing experienced CI audiologists with clinicians seeking advanced training. The program blended didactic education, virtual clinical observation, supervised hands-on programming, and ongoing professional development. RESULTS: Over 2 years, the program mentored more than 75 audiologists, expanded telehealth programming capabilities, and supported the establishment of additional CI surgical and programming sites. Survey responses indicated strong gains in clinical competency, confidence, and readiness for independent CI practice, with many mentees maintaining professional collaboration beyond the program year. CONCLUSIONS: A structured nationwide mentorship model is a feasible, scalable, and sustainable approach to expanding CI expertise within large integrated health systems. The VHA CI Mentorship Program provides a replicable framework for improving workforce capacity, increasing access to specialized care, and enhancing outcomes for individuals receiving CIs.