Hybrid Cochlear Implant

The most common type of tinnitus, the kind associated with hearing loss, is not curable. Improving quality of life revolves around two key approaches.

For people with more severe hearing loss, the first steps to improving outcomes—aiding and restoring hearing, providing oral and/or sign language—are only the beginning.

Cochlear implants (CIs) are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged structures of the inner ear to create a sense of sound.

Bone-anchored hearing systems provide clear sound by bypassing damaged parts of the ear and delivering vibrations directly to the inner ear.

Genetic Testing for Hearing Loss: Free Options, Comprehensive Insights, and Future Therapies

Genetic Testing for Hearing Loss: Free Options, Comprehensive Insights, and Future Therapies

Most commonly used cochlear implant manufacturers.

Support groups and advocacy organizations for cochlear implants.

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.

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.

Dr. Ruffin's 2018 talk at Singularity University's Exponential Medicine conference, a gathering of leaders in medicine and industry on how fast-moving technology can deliver better outcomes for patients. The video has closed captions.

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.

Most people with severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss don’t realize what they’re missing. The average hearing aid user waits for a decade before biting the bullet and getting hearing amplification. A cochlear implant candidate takes even longer—a dozen years before receiving an implant. Learn more about cochlear implants.

Cochlear implants can cost over $100,000. Read more to learn how to understand insurance, minimize your costs, and start your journey to hearing better.

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.

Audiology doctoral student Sarah Sparks (Twitter: @saralovesears) is in training at Gallaudet University. Ms. Sparks was born typically hearing and initially resisted cochlear implants. This blog post by Med El describes her journey with hearing loss and the reason for her initial skepticism.

Every person with hearing loss, regardless of communication mode, can achieve big things. It takes courage to live defy expectations and determination to overcome hurdles. But it can be done.

Dr. Ruffin recently met with the HLAA-WA to learn more about the hearing loss community in Washington state. Karen Utter and Warren Weissman, leaders of the organization, responded with a warm welcome. Their excitement for having an ear surgeon with hearing loss is reflected in the article that they wrote. We are excited to work with the larger hearing loss community to improve outcomes for those with hearing loss.

Choosing your hearing “kit” can be paralyzing. Thankfully, my background in hearing science makes it easier for me. Because I work in some of the noisiest and mission-critical environments, like the operating room, I’ve learned what really works for me. Read below to read some of my thoughts:

This is a fantastic article and a great reminder to challenge employment restrictions on hearing loss. Policies restricting opportunities for hard of hearing people are rarely well thought out. Most hearing people cannot imagine functioning without full hearing. Thus, employers and agencies are often unfamiliar with what people with hearing loss can do with appropriate accommodations.

In the past, hearing loss was often seen as less serious than other health issues. In recent years, its impact on health has become better understood. Untreated hearing loss can lead to withdrawal and social isolation. This can lead to depression and anxiety. But did you know that loneliness has severe health consequences? Its effect on mortality is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Every 19 minutes in this country, an older person dies from a fall. Learn more here at the NYT.