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Nucleus Cochlear Implant Speech Processor
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An especially serious cause of deafness is Neuro-Fibromatosis II. This disease causes benign tumors in both hearing nerves at the same time. The condition often affects young adults in the prime of life and risks total deafness. Because the nerves themselves are affected, these patients usually cannot benefit from cochlear implants. There is hope for restoring hearing in these patients —– The ABI Brainstem Implant.
Pittsburgh Ear otologists Drs. Douglas Chen and Moisés Arriaga in conjunction with Allegheny General Hospital Neurosurgeons Drs. Jack Wilberger and Peter Jannetta are members of the ABI team which has trained specifically to place this unique device. The outer portion is the same as the Cochlear Corporation cochlear implant. The inner electrodes are very special and placed directly in the hearing center of the brainstem to restore hearing in patients with NF2.
Dr. Chen notes, “Pittsburgh Ear’s experience thus far is quite positive. Our first patient is already receiving sound through this special device.” An additional patient has been implanted and is in the healing phase before the ABI is activated.
Hearing loss or tinnitus, especially in one ear is often the only sign of an acoustic tumor. When diagnosed early, Pittsburgh Ear surgeons can often preserve hearing and remove the tumor. Once the tumor is large, hearing preservation is unlikely. Early detection is the key!
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