Cochlear implant for meningitis babies:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Meningitis-related deafness can be cured by cochlear implants as long as they are implanted early enough. The technique has been pioneered by doctors from the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham (UK), reports New Scientist (September 23rd). They say the device, manufactured by Cochlear (Australia), must be fitted before new bone growth blocks the cochlear. The implants cost £21,000 ($35,000) each and the total procedure approximately £31,000. The devices must be individually tuned, which requires one full-time physician for every 10 patients. Around 300 children a year need cochlear implants in the UK.