For those who do not know, cochlear implants allow those who are profoundly deaf to hear through a small electronic device that is surgically attached behind the ear. This technology has only been around for a little over 40 years and has already changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
The first historical moment that led to the creation of implants was in 1800 by Alessandro Volta who used an electrical current to stimulate his internal ear. The next major breakthrough was in 1957 when a professor of medical physics was attempting to restore facial nerve function through electrical current. They were unsuccessful, but the patient who was also deaf experienced some auditory sensations. In 1961, Dr. William House created the first implant that took him 10 years to perfect. It was finished in 1972 and used through 1985.
Since its creation, researchers have been eager to work with kids. In 1981, 3-year-old Tracy Husted was the first kid to receive a cochlear implant. She is pictured here with Dr. William House, the physician who developed the technology. Following the success of this procedure, the technology was approved for adults by the FDA in 1984.
As of 2019, 65,000 children have received cochlear implants. The technology behind these has only been getting better. In 2000, implants were approved for children over 12 months of age. So what does this mean for them? This means these kids can hear during the optimal sound and language development time. Studies have shown that kids with cochlear implants perform at a rate comparable to those with normal hearing.
This medical technology is part of a larger goal to help all kids start off on the same path. Without cochlear implants, these kids would be put at a learning disadvantage. The surgery allows them to go through their childhood without being held back by their disability. Similarly, it also has the benefit to let them enjoy lots of the benefits of life. This includes but is not limited to, enjoying music, television, and just the overall sounds of the world. This is incredible compared to 50 years ago when this cochlear technology didn't exist.
As most surgeries go, there are always risks. However, the general medical risks should not discourage parents from taking the risk. As the years go on, this surgery will become more regular and the risks will continue to become less frequent.
The medical world is still finding ways to make the current cochlear implant better. Current research is looking at how to isolate frequencies of hearing loss for people who are only partially deaf. This could help to discover the benefits of using cochlear and hearing aids.
Until then, please enjoy this heartwarming video of kids hearing for the first time. If this doesn't show you how life-changing this technology has been, then nothing will.
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