Present Status and Future Directions of the Ear Research Institute Cochlear Implant Program

Abstract

Thirty-three adult subjects have been implanted with single-electrode cochlear implants at the Ear Research Institute. This paper outlines the current status of the subjects; the rehabilitation and testing program; results found with the implant; and future directions of the implant program. Results indicate that implant subjects can score significantly above chance on a variety of discrimination tests. Implant subjects also score significantly better than hearing aid subjects on these tests. Research is continuing on engineering and signal-processing improvements for the single-electrode implant. Multiple-electrode implants and binaural implants are being considered for future research at the Ear Research Institute.