UNC Cochlear Implant Research

06/08/2026

: Dr. Melott (PGY1) shares what he loves about cochlear implant clinical research. 🦻🏿🐏

06/03/2026

Take a listen to our June podcast episode with Dr. Samantha P. Scharf, AuD, CCC-A as she discusses new candidacy criteria for children.

https://ow.ly/xjZ250Z7cv3

06/03/2026

: Dr. Scharf discussed changes in pediatric cochlear implant candidacy criteria on The Hearing Journal Podcast. Check out the episode using the link below! 🦻🏼

🎧: https://open.spotify.com/episode/28rek7uTSiQXe2R3mj3h9V?si=Had3xUkZS66GeUacJwH4Ww

05/28/2026

: Drs. Park and Dillon presented data at the 2026 World Congress of Audiology in Seoul, Korea. 🐏

🦻🏿Dr. Park discussed the approaches to programming cochlear implants for very young children, and assessment and management of children with single-sided deafness.
🦻🏾Dr. Dillon shared data on the effectiveness of individualized mapping procedures for cochlear implant recipients with hearing preservation, and was honored as a recipient of a Best Oral Presentation Award.

05/26/2026

Dr. Dillon, AuD, PhD was honored to serve as the visiting professor for the 8th Annual Otolaryngology Research Symposium hosted by the Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University on May 6. During the symposium, Dillion presented a talk titled, “Pathways for Hearing Preservation Cochlear Implant Candidates and Recipients,” highlighting advancements and clinical considerations in hearing preservation for cochlear implant patients.

05/19/2026

: Park and colleagues assessed short- and long-term hearing preservation for pediatric cochlear implant recipeints with preoperative functional hearing. 🦻🏼

📄 Check out the full article here: https://journals.lww.com/otology-neurotology/abstract/9900/long_term_functional_hearing_preservation_in.1194.aspx

05/18/2026

: Dr. Scharf discussed new indications for pediatric cochlear implantation, influence of mapping procedure for CI users with unilateral hearing loss, and individualized mapping approaches for EAS users at the SACIG 2026 Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. 🐏🦻🏾

05/15/2026

Congratulations to the UNC research and clinical collaborators who were awarded the Top 10% Most Viewed Articles in The Laryngoscope! 🎉 Their research found older adults with asymmetric hearing loss benefit significantly with cochlear implant use. 🦻🏿🦻🏽

📄 Check it out here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/LARY.31718?utm_campaign=B2CJNL_MIS_1693050_2026_Top_Viewed_Authors_EM1_T&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc

05/14/2026

: Several members of the UNC Ear and Hearing Team shared data at the CI2026 18th International Conference on Cochlear Implants and other Implantable Technologies in Warsaw, Poland. 🐏

Collectively, the group contributed:
🦻🏾1 keynote presentation
👂🏼4 scientific presentations
🦻🏿1 instructional lecture
👂🏾Representation on 7 panels
👂🏻Service as 1 moderator

05/14/2026

Audiology Preceptor of the Year: Dr. Leclerc!
Congratulations!! 🩵🎉

We are incredibly proud to share that Dr. Lauren Leclerc has been named Preceptor of the Year for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Doctor of Audiology program!

Being a great preceptor is about so much more than just sharing knowledge. Dr. Leclerc truly embodies what it means to be a mentor—she consistently encourages growth, demonstrates a deep commitment to education, and inspires the next generation of audiologists.

Her kindness, boundless enthusiasm, and willingness to always go above and beyond make her an invaluable asset to both our team and her trainees.

Thank you, Dr. Leclerc, for your dedication and for shining so bright! Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor!