PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE-DIRECTIONS OF THE EAR RESEARCH-INSTITUTE COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM

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. © 1979 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.