Up until the last 10 years, patients that had a sensory neural hearing loss could only be helped with hearing aids which essentially amplified sound. However, if too many hair cells died, there was nothing to convert the sound energy into electrical energy. When this happens, a person became deaf. Cochlear implants are electrical devices that are inserted directly into the cochlea and use a microcomputer to stimulate the hearing nerves directly so that a person can again hear sounds. This is an exciting new technology that offers hope for those people who have lost their hearing and do not benefit from hearing aids.
Restoration of hearing is an exciting field that has recently seen numerous advances. The main obstacle that prevents people from hearing is not knowing or understanding what is available. Hearing sounds again may be just a hearing test away.
Dr. Thomas M. Jung is the only fellowship trained Neurotologist in the region specializing in:
- Cochlear Implants in Children and Adults
- Vestibular Nerve Surgery for balance disorders
- Skull Base Surgery and treatment of tumors of the inner ear balance nerves
