Cochlear High-Res Implants

About Cochlear High-Res Implants

Cochlear high res implants also known as bionic ears are surgically implanted hearing devices for the severely hard of hearing or those who have completely lost their hearing. These implants come with their own microphone, speech processor, transmitter, receiver, and electrode array.

Cochlear implants circumvent damaged areas of the ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly making it possible for the recipient of the implant to hear or have a sense of sound. Sound signals generated by a cochlear implant are sent through the nerves inside the ear going to the brain.

In the year 2009, nearly 200, 000 individuals worldwide received these implants with over 70, 000 cohclear implant recipients from the United States alone.

The effects of cochlear implants once embedded are irreversible and can cause permanent hearing loss. Today, companies that make cochlear high res implants are under a lot of pressure because of supplying defective devices that were surgically implanted on thousands of people around the globe.

Conditions Caused By Cochlear High-Res Implants

Side Effects & Symptoms

Warnings & Recalls

The FDA issued a recall of cochlear implants in the year 2004. Although the FDA did not require the removal of the electronic device among implant recipients, there were cases where it was necessary to take the implants out due to excruciating pain and discomfort. The FDA issued another recall in 2006. Cochlear high res implants were also recalled in early 2010 and 2011.

Cases, Settlements, & Verdicts

• The FDA filed a complaint under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in November of 2006 against Advanced Bionics due to the company’s violation of FDA regulations. 
• A child with a defective cochlear high res implant was awarded a confidential sum as settlement for a products liability case. 
• Advanced Bionics paid a $1.1 Million fine to the FDA for not following FDA regulations.

Helpful Information