State of Cochlear Implant Research Winter 2019
Like other technology, cochlear implants (CI) are continually improved. Dr. Ruffin has been a scientist involved in cochlear implant research for 15 years. He provides a birds-eye view of CI research in the HLAA Washington State Fall 2019 issue of Soundwaves.
Improving performance of cochlear implants is being made on several fronts:
- Patient selection
- Device size
- Adapting hearing aid noise reduction algorithms
- Electrode design
- Speech processing strategies
Recent Blog Posts
From Mono to Stereo: A Patient's Journey to a Bilateral Cochlear Implant
This video features Chris who traveled internationally in 2021 to get a bilateral cochlear implant from Dr. Ruffin. It explains the activation process of a cochlear implant. We discuss how bilateral implants improve hearing in noise, sound direction, and overall ease of hearing. Chris shares his personal experiences with his implant in music appreciation, relationships, and work.
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Are Hearing Aids Best for Severe Hearing Loss?
For severe hearing loss, hearing aids aren't the best option. For many, a cochlear implant has a greater chance of improving hearing. Read on to hear the perspective of a cochlear implant surgeon who also has cochlear implants.
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Treating Stuffy & Runny Noses
There's simple and highly effective treatment for stuffy noses, allergies, and chronic sinus problems. And it's all over the counter!
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Hear better when you preserve remaining hearing with cochlear implantation
It is no longer true that cochlear implants destroy residual hearing. Soft surgery results in atraumatic electrode insertion. This can preserve residual hearing. This hearing is useful whether the hearing is "usable" or not. Preserved hearing means less scar inside the cochlea so the cochlear implant can work better. If you have usable hearing, you may wear a cochlear implant and a hearing aid in the same ear. Atraumatic insertion also improves balance outcome. With less scar inside the cochlea, you may be able to adopt new and upcoming technologies for improved hearing.
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