Cochlear Limited announced the next phase in its long-term research and development program towards a totally implantable cochlear implant, with the start of a further clinical feasibility study. The development of totally implantable cochlear implant technology is said to be complex, and a commercially available product is not expected for years; however, it remains a long-term development goal for Cochlear.
For this next phase of research and development, a further clinical feasibility study has been initiated to evaluate the totally implantable cochlear implant technology. According to Cochlear, the single-site, 11-patient study, will collect data associated with the performance and safety of totally implantable cochlear implant technology which can be used with and without an externally-worn sound processor to provide people with 24-hour hearing.1 The objective of the study is to obtain preliminary evidence of the efficacy of the treatment and to collect additional safety data and compare clinical outcomes before and after an intervention.
The totally implantable cochlear implant technology used in the clinical feasibility study is said to differ from existing Cochlear devices available today. The new technology being studied includes an implanted microphone, an implanted rechargeable battery, and an implanted sound processor. This means that the patients can choose between using an external sound processor, or taking it off and relying on the implanted microphone and internal sound processor, while still maintaining hearing function.
The study is being conducted in Australia and will be led by principal investigators Associate Professor Robert Briggs, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (surgical), and Professor Robert Cowan, The HEARing CRC (non-surgical),1 a collaboration of 21 organizations that contribute hearing expertise. This clinical feasibility study is expected to build on the initial clinical research conducted in 2005 with the first-generation investigational device, and will inform further technology development.
“A long-term goal of research in this area is to provide totally implantable cochlear implant technology that will enable people to hear with and without any externally worn components, helping them to have useful hearing 24 hours a day,” said Briggs.
To date, Cochlear has reportedly been “the only company” that has reported studies of totally implantable cochlear implant technology.2 Following an acquisition of implantable microphone technology in 2012, Cochlear has been able to further develop the investigational technology.
“Cochlear leads the industry in investing in research and development to innovate and transform the lives of those living with hearing loss,” said Jan Janssen, Chief Technology Officer at Cochlear. “We have a history of collaborating with researchers, surgeons, and audiologists to innovate and bring to market new hearing solutions.
“Totally implantable cochlear implant technology is an exciting area of product development for Cochlear. However, we remain in the very early stages, and given the remaining technical, clinical, and regulatory requirements, the technology is not expected to be commercially available for years.”
Currently available Cochlear products, such as the “world’s first made-for-iPhone cochlear implant sound processor”—the Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor—and the off-the-ear Nucleus Kanso® Sound Processor, paired with “the industry’s most reliable implants”,3 continue to be available to eligible people living with disabling hearing loss.
“Cochlear implants provide significant benefit for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Anyone with hearing loss who is considering a cochlear implant today should not delay accessing treatment now,” said Briggs.
“Diagnosing and treating hearing loss is important. In adults, hearing loss is linked with greater unemployment, increased risk of poor health, depression, and increased risk of other conditions including dementia.”
Source: Cochlear Limited
References
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Cochlear Limited. The feasibility of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® TI1012 cochlear implant in a newly implanted adult population study protocol. 2018.
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Briggs RJS, Eder HC, Seligman PM, et al. Initial clinical experience with a totally implantable cochlear implant research device. Otol Neurotol. 2008;29(2):114-119.
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Cochlear Limited. Cochlear Nucleus implant reliability report. https://bit.ly/2CCd7Dt. Published December 2017.
My son is 4 years old and has bilateral cochlear implants from Cochlear of America. He received them when he was 1 years old. We love them and he is doing amazing with them. I know these will not be available for some years but if and when these are available would he be able to get these? Would it require another surgery?
I want to be a candidate for the fully implanted cochlear device. I have no ear canal and hearing bones. My cochlear is still intact.
Are they being implanted in people? Are there any centers in the US
Thnx
If you are looking for volunteer candidates I offer to participate in your test program.I have total loss of hearing in my left ear and the right ear is very low. Hearing aids are virtually useless.
I am writing to check on the progress of the internal cochlear implant. I am profoundly deaf in my right ear, and am unable to wear traditional hearing aids or wear a processor on my ears due to skin sensitivity in that area. I tried the BAHA and it did not work well for me. I am hoping that someday I can get a completely internal cochlear implant.
My newborn son will need cochlear implants. I have been trying to research the latest advancements in the implants and this seems to be a great jump. I know this will not be available for some time, but will people with the current implants be able to switch implants if and when these become available?