American Cochlear Implant Alliance
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACI Alliance) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization[1] that works to increase access to cochlear implantation through research, policy advocacy, and public awareness initiatives.[2][3] The organization represents professionals, researchers, recipients, and other stakeholders in the field of cochlear implantation.
| |
| Formation | 2011 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) Non-profit Advocacy group |
Chair | Daniel M. Zeitler, MD |
Founding Director | Donna L. Sorkin (2012-2026) |
Executive Director | Carrie Spangler, AuD (2026-present) |
| Website | www |
ACI Alliance was established in October 2011 to "eliminate barriers to cochlear implantation...by improving access to, and increasing awareness about cochlear implants."[2] The Alliance was founded by a group of surgeons, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists active in cochlear implantation research and practice, including Dr. John K. Niparko and Dr. Teresa Zwolan.[2]
Federal advocacy
The Alliance has participated in federal health policy processes, including significant updates related to Medicare coverage for cochlear implantation. The organization was a primary formal requestor to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking reconsideration of the National Coverage Determination governing cochlear implants.[4] Following the reconsideration process, CMS issued a revised coverage determination expanding eligibility criteria for cochlear implantation.[5][6] The ACI Alliance has also advocated specifically for individuals with asymmetric hearing loss and single-sided deafness. [7]
The Alliance participates in national coalitions addressing hearing health and disability policy, including Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus[8][9] and Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM).[10]
State-level advocacy
Professional activities and research
Proceedings from the Alliance's national symposia and meetings have addressed clinical outcomes, guided candidacy criteria, and established standards of care for cochlear implantation.[17][18][19]
Federal research databases and CMS evidentiary materials list the Alliance as a sponsor or contributor to studies reviewed as part of Medicare coverage determinations for cochlear implantation.[20][21]