Today is not your average, run-of-the-mill Wednesday during February. It’s most certainly not Valentines Day or Super Bowl Weekend. It’s International Cochlear Implant day. Our team is going to give unique reasons why you should celebrate, and importantly what is a Cochlear Implant.
A Cochlear implant (CI) is a surgically implanted electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear, specifically the Cochlea, to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, CI’s convert sound into electrical signals, allowing the brain to perceive audio and improve speech comprehension. Users may need to undergo Intensive Audio Therapy to condition their brain to process this new signal when receiving implants as an adult.
Community is valuable and priceless. Our team earnestly highlights users who found great success after their surgery!
- In 2024, Cleveland Clinic shared the testimonial of 70 year old Cheryl Cannatti who reminisced about her hearing struggles dating back to the third grade. In 2021, she had her first appointment with her Audiologist has since had her implant activated and is thrilled with her hearing improvements. “I remember thinking after the first couple of months, if this is as good as it gets, I’m thrilled. But it’s continued to get better. I can hear my grandchildren’s voices, I can listen to music, talk on the phone, chat with friends in person,”
CI Fun Facts:
- First successful multi-channel implant in 1978 by researcher Graeme Clark in Australia
- FDA Approval for the USA – 1984
- Over 1 million people world-wide have cochlear implants
Simeon is particularly excited about the newest processors becoming Auracast-enabled in 2026, including the Nucleus 8, BAHA 7, Kanso 3 from Cochlear and the Sonnet 3 from Med-El. This adoption of Auracast will enable students to receive a direct audio transmission from Simeon’s Audita III, while enjoying all of the benefits of a classroom soundfield system, such as the pass-around mics. Being included in classroom discussions is an important component to hearing accessibility and the three microphone Audita III system solves that problem. It will eventually replace the older, costly FM systems with the incredible-sounding new technology – Auracast.
Happy CI Day!!