To make progress with a cochlear implant the user must:

• Be motivated and demonstrate realistic expectations
• Follow recommendations provided by the implant team
• Use the device during all waking hours
• Practice listening
• Speak and interact with others as much as possible
• Utilize visual cues when adjusting to the CI but decrease the visual cues when ready
• Ask others to identify unfamiliar sounds so that they become familiar
• Adjust the volume and sensitivity knobs in all settings to optimize listening
• Keep detailed notes on each program for the implant audiologist to assist with device adjustment