Current Research
Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness: The Relationship Between Aural Rehabilitation, Processor Wear-Time and Outcomes
While all cochlear implant users can benefit from aural rehabilitation and adequate wear time, this may be even more important for patients with Single Sided Deafness (SSD). This ongoing prospective evaluation looks at the variables of wear time and auditory rehabilitation and the effects on word and sentence test scores. Learn more.
Outcomes of Group Aural Rehabilitation For Older Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
While self-guided aural rehabilitation can be beneficial, patient compliance is low. Group rehabilitation may provide a more effective way for older adult implant users to improve their benefit from the cochlear implant and satisfaction. This pilot study evaluates the impact of group rehabilitation in an older adult cochlear implant population. Learn more.
Socialization and Support Group Aural Habilitation for Infants, Toddlers and Parents.
Provision of habilitation in a group format provides the added benefit of socialization for both children and parents. This ongoing prospective study evaluates the impact of video group therapy in the infant/toddler CI recipient population. Learn more.
Child with Congenital CMV and Progressive Hearing Loss: A Case Study
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can result in hearing loss that may be congenital or delayed. This case report reviews the clinical course of a child who was initially presented with single sided hearing loss for which he/she received a cochlear implant and then subsequently developed profound hearing loss in the opposite ear. Having already had a cochlear implant allowed him/her to hear and adapt faster when the second ear hearing dropped. He/she subsequently received a cochlear implant in the second ear with good benefit. Learn more.
Utilization of SmartNav in the Operating Room for Cochlear Implant Placement
For all patients, but particularly the very young and elderly, increased anesthetic time is a cause for concern. Typically when a cochlear implant is placed, an X-ray is required to confirm appropriate positioning of the device, with the additional time needed increasing anesthetic. A new technology from Cochlear Corporation, SmartNav, allows a much more rapid assessment of positioning of the electrode and has the potentially to significantly shorten operating room time. This prospective study compares required time and accuracy of SmartNav to conventional Xrays for determining positioning of cochlear implant at the time of surgery. Learn more about the abstract.
Implementation of Cognitive and Hearing Handicap Measures Into Cochlear Implant Candidacy
There is a relationship between hearing loss and cognition. Research has shown an increased risk of dementia for those with severe hearing loss. It is not yet clear if cochlear implantation can improve cognitive function. This study examines patient performance on a cognitive screening tool before and after implantation. Patient perception of hearing handicap is also measured pre- and post-surgery. Learn more.
Clinical Use of Electrically Evoked Stapedial Reflex Threshold Measures for Cochlear Implant MAPping Optimization
Programming, or MAPping, cochlear implants has always been subject to the variability of the user’s response and the audiologist’s skill. The electrically evoked stapedial reflex threshold (eSRT) is an objective measure that has been shown to be useful in determining the upper loudness limits of a cochlear implant program. This leads to streamlined programming across clinics and among audiologists. In addition, patients who use programs created with eSRT often perform better than with their older MAPs. Learn more (read the study, view the poster).
Intra- and Post-Operative Measures of Auditory Function Using Cochlear Implants
Today, individuals with good low frequency hearing can still be candidates for a cochlear implant. During surgery, our surgeons work to preserve as much hearing as possible. Use of an objective response, known as Electrocochleography (ECochG), can help. Advanced Bionics, one of the three FDA approved cochlear implant manufacturers in the US, has developed a system that allows the surgeon to monitor the ECohG during surgery to maximize persevered hearing. Learn more.
Prior Research Publications and Presentations
Cochlear Implantation Outcomes in the Advanced Geriatric Population
There has been a significant increase in life expectancy in the last several years with many older adults living healthy lives well into their 80s and beyond. With that aging population, there are also many older adults seeking cochlear implants as they have developed severe hearing loss that cannot be benefited with hearing aids. While there is good data supporting cochlear implants in older adults, there are few studies that assess outcomes amongst the older adult population. This study assessed the outcomes comparing an older adult population (60-74) to a more advanced geriatric population (75+). The study determined that with both objective and subjective measures that advanced geriatric patients gained equal benefits to the younger patients. This research supports the concept that age alone should not be an exclusionary factor for cochlear implant consideration. Learn more.
Late Implantation of a Child with Eighth Nerve Deficiency
The benefit of cochlear implantation in children with eighth nerve (hearing nerve) deficiency has been well-documented. However, lack of hearing stimulation can impact outcomes in any child with hearing loss. This case report examined the responses of a child with eighth nerve deficiency who received a cochlear implant at a delayed age of four years of age. In spite of receiving late implantation, this child demonstrated significant development of oral language by utilizing the cochlear implant and receiving intensive oral speech therapy services. Learn more.
Unilateral Cochlear Implantation in Older Children: Two Case Studies
Cochlear implantation in patients with hearing loss in only one ear is being done in increased frequency. There has been significant research on adults receiving cochlear implants with unilateral hearing loss, but fewer studies assessing unilateral implantation in children. This case study assessed the postoperative scores of two older children receiving cochlear implant with unilateral hearing loss. Learn more.