Translational research around five categories of CI

Abstract

Abstract Five categories of cochlear implants are introduced: The ‘classic CI’, the ‘combined CI’ – which can be combining a CI based on electric stimulation with acoustic stimulation (EAS) or with mechanical stimulation (EMS) or with electrical stimulation of the vestibular system (VICI) –, the ‘individualised CI’, the ‘augmented CI’ and the ‘totally implantable CI’. The translational research activities leading to and within these categories have been, are and will be numerous and are the subject of the compendium for which this paper is the concluding chapter. Early translational research has resulted in the ‘classic CI’ in 1994. From then on translational research enabled the developments respectively the new indications and reimbursement of CI-systems for bilateral CIs, CI in single sided deafness, the auditory brainstem implant, speech coding and signal processing advances, electrophysiologic measurements for evaluation of cochlear health, all within the classic CI category. Starting points for the four newer categories of CI are either ideas of professionals treating hearing loss or of CI developers. The translational research performed also triggered research that led and leads to improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of hearing. Graphical Abstract