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Center for Implantable Hearing Devices and Cochlear Implant CenterA Pre-eminent Program Producing Dramatic ResultsPenn Medicine’s Cochlear Implant Center is the leading regional program for cochlear implantation. The program was started more than 25 years ago with the advent of the first implant devices. Today, the center possesses a comprehensive, active cochlear implantation program, including state-of-the-art surgical placement of the device. What is a Cochlear Implant?A cochlear implant is truly a technologic advancement of modern medicine that allows the restoration of hearing to the majority of patients who have suffered a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. It consists of an internal electrode that is surgically implanted in the inner ear and stabilized under the skin. The external component is a sound processor that transmits sound to the electrode via a magnetic link. The electrode then stimulates the fibers of the auditory (hearing) nerve which, in turn, transmits sound to the brain. A Dramatic, Life-Changing ImpactThere are approximately 22 million hearing-impaired people in the U.S. More than 600,000 of these individuals are adults who have a severe-to-profound sensorineural (inner ear or nerve) hearing loss in both ears, most of whom once had normal hearing and had developed normal speech and language. The continuous improvement in cochlear implant technology and a commitment to the latest research and technical advancements has enabled specialists in Penn’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery to offer an alternative to individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from a hearing aid. Cochlear implant surgery is simple, safe, and its benefits are well established. Following the procedure, most patients are able to better communicate and be more independent. Some patients may even regain the ability to enjoy music. The Penn DifferencePenn Medicine has the only program in the region with sufficient expertise to offer patients the choice of implants from each of the three FDA-approved devices available today. Each device is different and requires its own expertise and software. Patients can select the one that best meets their individual needs.
An upcoming clinical study at Penn will examine the efficacy of a combination conventional hearing aid and cochlear implant. This new hybrid implant/hearing aid is designed to preserve the patients’ natural low frequency hearing so that it can be amplified with the hearing aid while the cochlear implant portion of the device is designed to restore the higher frequency hearing and clarity of the sound. This new hybrid device can optimize hearing for many severely hearing impaired patients who have poor results from their hearing aids or do not meet the conventional FDA criteria for implantation. Experts also anticipate beginning initial studies for the totally implantable cochlear implant in the next year or two. More research continues to look at improving sound processing strategies and the benefits of bilateral cochlear implants. Serving the Entire Adult PopulationCochlear implantation can provide quality of life benefits to patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss, including elderly patients and their caregivers. Age should not be considered a contraindication for cochlear implant surgery. Evaluation and SurgeryA cochlear implant evaluation is designed to determine if a patient is a candidate for a cochlear implant. It consists of:
During surgery, the device is placed behind the ear under the skin and the electrode is inserted into the cochlea (inner ear). This electrode provides an electrical signal to directly stimulate the hearing nerves bypassing the inner ear that is no longer functioning. An external processor worn behind the ear, translates the surrounding sounds into signals that can be sent to the hearing nerve and be recognized by the brain as sound. The processors are most commonly worn at ear level, much like a hearing aid with a compact radio frequency transmitter kept in place on the head with a magnet. The processor is easily removed when showering, sleeping, or when participating in water sports. RehabilitationThree to four weeks after surgery, patients receive the external processor and programming begins. The rehabilitation required generally depends on the age of onset of the individual’s deafness, whether he/she has acquired speech and language, and the duration of deafness. With practice, some patients develop use of the phone or music appreciation. Others don’t acquire the ability to use the phone but still participate in conversations, public meetings, and more. Nearly all the patients with a cochlear implant will function significantly better with their implant than they did using hearing aids alone. Locations
Cochlear Implant Team
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Penn Medicine’s experienced cochlear implant team includes two surgeons and two dedicated audiologists to ensure continuity of care and the best results possible. Thus, the program will always be able and prepared to meet the patients’ needs. Otorhinolaryngologists at Penn were one of the first in North America to perform cochlear implant surgery in the 1980s and continue to be involved with all major research efforts in this field. Penn has the only regional program conducting research and clinical trials, allowing patients access to the latest findings, and critical in the development of the devices of the future.
An audiologist performs the non-medical pre-operative evaluation and postoperative activation of the implant. An audiogram, a partial balance study, and an evaluation of the patient’s communication are conducted to determine if the patient is eligible for a cochlear implant. According to current criteria, the patient must have a severe-to-profound hearing loss and a significant impairment in his or her understanding of speech.
