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cochlear implants (CIs) for people with hearing loss

One of the remarkable recent technological achievements that affect people with hearing loss is the cochlear implant. This device is a source of controversy among the culturally Deaf, some of whom see it as a threat to their culture. Among the late deafened and oral deaf, however, the cochlear implant is viewed as nothing short of a miracle.

No one maintains that cochlear implants restore normal hearing, nor are implants uniformly successful for all recipients. They work by bypassing the cochlear hair cells, defects of which are a common cause of deafness. Receiving a cochlear implant requires a surgical procedure that includes drilling a hole behind the ear and inserting a wire into the cochlea. The wire is actually a collection of electrodes, each of which is sensitive to a different frequency range and stimulates the auditory nerve with the corresponding frequency. 

This section contains general information about cochlear implants, the technology, and the experiences of people who use CIs. For information on specific products, please visit our information on the three main CI Manufacturers.

Our CI Information page provides both general and detailed information regarding cochlear implant technology, candidates, current devices, expected improvements, etc.

Bilateral Cochlear Implants

Hybrid Cochlear Implant

Totally Implantable Cochlear Implants

Children and Cochlear Implants

Cochlear Implant Risks

Cochlear Implant Technology

Adult Cochlear Implant Candidates

Medical Considerations of the Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant Surgery

Music and the Cochlear Implant

Audiological Rehabilitation for CI Users

Here are some great stories people have written about their cochlear implant experiences.

Interested in the CI controversy within the hearing loss community? Then check out the information on the CI Controversy page.

Most people who have CIs think they're great! But one requirement is that the auditory nerve must be intact. Suppose that nerve has been destroyed or damaged - is there anything that can help restore hearing in those cases? The answer is, "Yes". The device, which is a cousin of the Cochlear Implant, is the Auditory Brainstem Implant.

If you're looking for information on a specific cochlear implant, please see the Cochlear Implant portion of our Resource Directory.

An organization called Cochlear Implant Association International (CIAI) provides information and support to implantees.

September 2006 - Telephone Options for Cochlear Implant Users

September 2006 - Commercial Development of the Cochlear Implant

November 2006 - Soap Opera Character Gets Cochlear Implant

November 2006 - Court Overturns Cochlear Implant Denial

April 2007 - A Look at Cochlear Implants Today

November 2007 - What a Cochlear Implant Is NOT and What It IS

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Commercial Development of the Cochlear Implant

 

September 2006

 

Cochlear implants (CIs) have become commonplace in the past few years, and the candidacy requirements have been loosened as CI performance has improved. Of course, it hasn't always been so. About 25 years ago, CI developers knew they had a viable device, but there are several important steps between a viable device and a successful commercial product. For a fascinating history of how the CI traversed those steps, please point your browser to: http://www.phm.gov.au/hsc/cochlear/commercial.htm

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Court Overturns Cochlear Implant Denial

November 2006

A health plan administrator acted unreasonably in denying coverage of a plan participant's cochlear implant, according to an Oct. 23 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The court ruled in Carolina Care Plan Inc. v. McKenzie that the plan abused its discretion in denying the participant's claim. The ruling appears to be an important victory for patients. But one audiologist who has been long involved in cochlear implants said she is not sure how far-reaching the case may be.  Full Story

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A Look at Cochlear Implants Today

April 2007

Here's a pretty good article on cochlear implants (CIs). It includes some human interest, a look at the "controversy" surrounding implants, a bit of history, where implants are today, and where the various manufacturers see progress coming in the future. For those who have any interest in a CI, it's well worth the read!  Here's the story!