An exemplary backup sound processor maintains data representative of a first set of sound processing programs associated with a first memory slot and with a plurality of cochlear implants, maintains data representative of a second set of sound processing programs associated with the second memory slot and with the plurality of cochlear implants, and detects a communicative coupling of the sound processor to a cochlear implant included in the plurality of cochlear implants. In response, the backup sound processor 1) determines an identifier unique to the cochlear implant, 2) determines that a program switch associated with the sound processor is in a first program switch position, 3) queries the first set of sound processing programs to identify a sound processing program included in the first set of sound processing programs that is associated with the determined identifier, and 4) operates in accordance with the identified sound processing program.