New Innovations in Cochlear Implantation 

Placement of bilateral cochlear implantation

There has been some recent reports that  indicate somewhat improved performance with the placement of bilateral cochlear implants. The placement of the cochlear implant bilaterally requires special expertise and some special equipment. The UC Irvine research team is working with a large group of patients with bilateral implants to understand the possible advantages of bilateral implants. 

Placement of cochlear implants in children younger than the age of 12 months

Cochlear implants have been approved by the FDA for patients who are 12 months or older. In special circumstances,  patients under the age of 12 months can be implanted. In these patients, cochlear implants have been placed with  great success. Patients who develop meningitis before the age of 1 year are patients who are implanted at the younger  age.

Cochlear Implantation in Patients Over the Age of 60

In the late 1990s, Dr. Djalilian performed a study looking at the effects of cochlear implantation in the patients over  the age of 60. His study found that the benefit to the older patients is just as good as a group of adults under the age  of 60. The patients’ improved quality of life was also equal to the control subjects. The conclusion of this important study was that older patients benefit greatly from the placement of a cochlear implant.  This study was part of the studies used to justify the coverage of cochlear implants by Medicare.  

The oldest patient implanted by Dr. Djalilian was 84 years old at the time of the implantation and continues to be a regular user.  She describes being able to hear her grandchildren as a “Gift from God”. She says that she is able to interact socially and no longer feels the loneliness that comes with deafness.