Cochlear implants for the profoundly deaf

A fairly recent development in treatment for the profoundly deaf is the cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that partially restores hearing via electrical stimulation of the inner ear. The only cochlear implant currently approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in both children and adults is the Nucleus 2 Multiple Channel Cochlear Implant manufactured by Cochlear Corporation of Australia. To date, more than 160 patients (adults and children) have undergone cochlear implantation with the Nucleus device at the University of Michigan. The authors discuss criterion for implant candidacy, provide a brief description of the Nucleus device, discuss results being obtained by patients and provide a brief summary of current research trends and needs