Health Insights

UC Health: A Pioneer in Cochlear Implantation and Neurotology

More than 30 years ago, UC Health became the first in the region to offer cochlear implantation for patients with severe hearing loss. Since then, our internationally recognized specialists have remained at the cutting edge, performing the highest volume of cochlear implant procedures in the region and comprehensive expertise with all different cochlear implant models. However, cochlear implants remain vastly underutilized, often due to a lack of awareness or difficulty accessing clinicians with relevant expertise.

A cochlear implant is far less invasive than many people assume. The outpatient procedure typically lasts about two hours, and patients typically go home the same day. For those who no longer benefit from hearing aids, a cochlear implant can provide life-changing improvements in sound clarity, speech comprehension, and overall quality of life.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Cochlear Implant?

Cochlear implants are designed for individuals with hearing loss who no longer find hearing aids effective. Clinical criteria determine candidacy, but many patients who qualify are unaware of this option. Many factors need to be taken into consideration in a cochlear implant evaluation, such as the severity of hearing loss, the cause of hearing loss, anatomical factors, the best model of a cochlear implant for each patient, the need for hearing rehabilitation, other relevant health conditions, and personal preferences, among others. Therefore, finding an experienced team can be critical in ensuring successful outcomes. Our team works closely with audiologists and primary care providers to identify patients who could benefit, especially as research continues to highlight the connection between hearing loss and broader health concerns.

One of the most compelling findings in recent years is the link between untreated hearing loss and dementia. Addressing hearing loss early—through hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other treatments—may help reduce cognitive decline and improve long-term brain health.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Ear and Cranial Base Disorders

Hearing loss is just one part of the broader field of neurotology. At UC Health, our nationally recognized experts are the only fellowship-trained specialists in the region dedicated to diagnosing and treating a range of complex conditions, including:

• All forms of hearing loss, from mild to profound
• Balance disorders affecting daily function
• Facial nerve disorders, including Bell’s palsy
• Ear and cranial base tumors, such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas
• Skull base disorders, collaborating with neurosurgeons for comprehensive care

Our multidisciplinary team includes audiologists, radiologists, neurosurgeons, and radiation oncologists, ensuring every patient receives the most advanced and personalized care.

Innovation and Research: The Future of Hearing Restoration

At the heart of UC Health’s success is a commitment to research and innovation. Dr. Daniel Sun, the director of our program, brings an engineering background and a passion for personalized care to the field of hearing and balance. His focus is on combining multiple treatment approaches to restore hearing and improve outcomes for patients with complex ear conditions.

Our research program is currently investigating groundbreaking methods to improve treatments for hearing loss. An exciting ongoing study uses a state-of-the-art MRI scanner to analyze brain function in association with hearing loss and cochlear implantation. This allows researchers to understand better how the brain changes in response to hearing loss and hearing restoration—and, crucially, to develop methods to further personalize hearing loss treatments for each patient.

As one of the only studies of its kind, it represents a precision approach to hearing loss that could further improve treatment strategies in the future.

Overcoming Barriers to Cochlear Implantation

Despite the proven benefits of cochlear implants, many patients hesitate to pursue treatment due to psychological barriers or misconceptions about the procedure. Some believe the surgery is highly invasive, while others assume they are "too old" to benefit. Our multi-disciplinary team works closely with patients, families, and other healthcare providers to counsel and guide each individual with hearing loss and ensure that the transformative potential of cochlear implantation and other treatments for hearing loss are available to all who need them.

Why Choose UC Health for Neurotology and Cochlear Implant Treatments?

• Choosing where to receive care for hearing loss, balance disorders, and cranial base conditions is a crucial decision. At UC Health, patients benefit from:
• A nationally recognized team of fellowship-trained subspecialists in ear and cranial base conditions
• The region’s most experienced cochlear implant program, with a 30-year history of excellence
• Cutting-edge research and innovation, including studies on hearing restoration funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD)
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring comprehensive care for complex ear and skull base disorders
• Personalized treatment plans, tailored to each patient’s unique hearing needs and lifestyle

At UC Health, we don’t just restore hearing—we restore lives. Our team is dedicated to helping patients regain sound, balance, and confidence through the most advanced treatments available. With several convenient locations, we make accessing world-class neurotology care close to home easier than ever.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, balance issues, or another ear-related condition, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact UC Health's Department of Otolaryngology today at 513-475-8400 to schedule a consultation with our team of specialists. Your journey to better hearing and improved quality of life starts here.