New study shows positive benefits of hybrid cochlear implants

New research has provided evidence of the significant benefits that hybrid cochlear implant devices can provide for people with a common form of hearing loss.

The implants were fitted into one ear of 50 men and women for the study, with all volunteers having badly damaged high-frequency, inner-ear hair cells, which prevented them from understanding speech.

A year after receiving the device, 45 study participants showed overall improvement in their hearing and speech recognition, with no deterioration in hearing and speech recognition in any of the patients.

The hybrid implant has shorter electrodes than traditional devices, meaning they do not have to be inserted as deeply into the cochlea. When placed correctly, this technique preserves more residual, natural, low-frequency hearing, while improving high-frequency hearing with electrical stimulation.

Lead study author Dr Thomas Roland said: "Our study offers early evidence that potentially millions more people with high-frequency hearing loss, who cannot benefit from a hearing aid, could instead possibly benefit from a hybrid cochlear implant."