On the Horizon Cochlear Implant Technology

Cochlear implantation and cochlear implants (Cls) have a long history filled with innovations that have resulted in the high-performing devices currently available. Several promising technologies have been reviewed in this article, which hold the promise to drive performance even higher. Remote Cl programming, totally implanted devices, improved neural health and survival through targeted drug therapy and delivery, intraneural electrode placement, electroacoustical stimulation and hybrid Cls, and methods to enhance the neural-prosthesis interface are evolving areas of innovation reviewed in this article.