The Dr. Cliff Show Episode 21 | Cochlear Implant Brands & Surgery

The episode begins with Dr. Cliff Olson and Rachael Cook introducing themselves and discussing cochlear implants. They plan to cover various manufacturers, products, and the surgical process. They also have Nashlea Brogan, a HearingUp spotlight provider, join the discussion. The episode is sponsored by ReSound, and they discuss the latest OMNIA receiver in canal hearing aids designed to improve speech understanding in noisy situations.

The discussion shifts to Advanced Bionics, a company offering various types of cochlear implant electrodes. The hosts describe the straight array and the mid-scale electrode designed to preserve residual hearing. They also discuss the external components, including the Marvel Naida and Marvel Sky implants, and their features. The processors have multiple microphones, including a unique T-mic for better phone audio and a headpiece microphone for waterproofing and bimodal setup compatibility with Phonak devices.

The hosts delve into the benefits of Roger accessories for cochlear implants, highlighting the significant signal to noise ratio improvement. They also discuss the variety of Roger microphones and their compatibility with Advanced Bionics devices. The episode's second sponsor, Eosera, is introduced, promoting their comprehensive ear care lineup, particularly the Earwax MD kit for effective wax removal.

Nashlea Brogan, a Canadian audiologist and cochlear implant user, shares her personal experience with hearing loss and cochlear implants. She discusses her journey from using hearing aids to receiving cochlear implants and emphasizes the importance of trusting professional advice when choosing an implant. Nashlea also talks about her reasons for joining the HearingUp Network and the impact it has had on her practice.

The conversation turns to Cochlear Americas, highlighting their range of electrodes and processors, including the Slim 20, Slim Straight, and Slim Modiolar electrodes, as well as the Nucleus 8 and Kanso 2 processors. The hosts discuss the benefits of the Kanso 2's compact design and the compatibility of Cochlear Americas devices with ReSound hearing aids and accessories. They also mention the high satisfaction rates for bimodal users and the upcoming Auracast technology for public venue audio streaming.

The hosts discuss Med-El's extensive range of electrodes, including straight, paramodiolar, curved, and hybrid arrays. They also cover the Sonnet 2 and Rondo 3 processors, noting the slim design of the Sonnet 2 and the convenience of the off-ear Rondo 3. The conversation touches on Med-El's approval for single-sided deafness treatment and their MRI-compatible S-Vector magnet. The hosts wrap up by discussing the importance of telecoil compatibility and hybrid technology options available with Cochlear Americas and Med-El.

The hosts provide an overview of the cochlear implant surgery process, explaining that it's typically a two-hour outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. They describe the surgical steps, including the incision, bone drilling, electrode insertion, and implant placement. The hosts emphasize the minimally invasive nature of the surgery and the high success rate in preserving residual hearing post-implantation.

The hosts share inspiring stories from cochlear implant recipients who have experienced significant improvements in speech understanding and overall quality of life. They highlight the dramatic changes in users' abilities to comprehend speech and communicate effectively. The hosts also address common concerns about the potential loss of residual hearing after surgery, citing a study that shows minimal changes in hearing after implantation.

The hosts engage in a Q&A session, answering questions from the audience about cochlear implants. They discuss the healing process after surgery, the adaptation period, and the differences in sound perception with cochlear implants. They also address the potential for individuals with no previous hearing experience to receive cochlear implants and the compatibility of Roger devices with different brands of cochlear implant processors.