If this can really happen, it’ll take cochlear implants to the next level meaning no worries about getting wet in the shower or pool and MRIs would not be an issue (I can’t get an MRI because of the magnet the holds the transmitter). Most of the articles on this technology are 2001 and 2002. I couldn’t find an update on Hearing Journal: Totally implantable cochlear implant coming. (HJ Report).
Early adopters of CIs have replaced older CI equipment with new. So I don’t see why any current CI user couldn’t use this device. I’ll be watching this one.
From HearingLossWeb.com:
Implantable CI
A Canadian company called Epic Biosonics Inc. is developing a totally implantable cochlear implant (CI). It will be implanted under the skin behind the ear, in a position similar to where the internal electronics for current implants are placed. The speech processing will be performed entirely within the implanted component (unlike current implants, which require an external processor).
The Epic CI will have an internal rechargeable battery, which will need to be recharged about once a week. This will be done by wearing a small disc (attached to glasses or on a headband) for a few hours.
The Epic CI claims the following advantages over current Cis:
1. One of the big advantages of total implantation is the lifting of restrictions that currently protect the external processor. Swimming with the implant, for example, will not be a problem.
2. The Epic CI will be implantable in infants shortly after birth, because it does not depend on development of the mastoid bone.
3. The Epic CI will have 48 electrodes and will include technology that places the electrodes in close proximity to the appropriate nerve cells.
4. It has no magnet, so is compatible with MRIs.
Epic expects to perform their first complete implant around the end of next year, with full clinical trials to follow shortly. Commercial availability is still several years away.
3 comments
Hi Meryl,
I just got back from vacation and was checking in on your progress. I was hoping your hearing was greatly improved from last week but realize it takes time. Hope everything’s going well.
Hi Meryl
I have Autosclerosis, More of a conduction type hearing loss. Sounds like somebody has their finger on the speaker cone. Anyway I have had the applicable operation twice on the same ear and the last was 3 years ago. I have 50% in each ear. Just as before I started. But my Mom and my aunt both have near perfect hearing after the same operation. Well I suppose what I wanted to say is that I know from experience that it takes a good while for your inner ear to forgive the trespass so to speak. And until it does it is difficult to distinguish the cries within form those without. Yours is different I know, but perhaps the same applies. Best wishes
Tony
How do I become a patient in the totally implanted cochlear device clinical trial. In my left ear the hear bones are gone and my right ear has them all intact. I have been diagnosed with a conductive hearing loss and wear bte’s bi-latterally. I currently live in the metro Atlanta, GA area.