Cochlear Implant

For a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing, a cochlear implant can provide a sense of sound. This computerized, bioelectrical device is surgically implanted between the skin and the skull. An electrode array bypasses nonfunctioning parts of the ear and sends signals directly to the auditory nerve and then to the brain.

Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute is dedicated to enhancing quality of life by restoring patients’ hearing. A nationally recognized cochlear implant center, our team of neuro-otologists have been restoring hearing with cochlear implants since 1980. We offer the full range of hearing services to both children and adults, from comprehensive diagnostics to hearing and balance treatment to our acclaimed cochlear implant program.

We know that personalized care is important, and that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why we offer the full range of hearing and balance services to both children and adults, from comprehensive diagnostics to hearing and balance treatment and our acclaimed cochlear implant program. We provide comprehensive diagnostic testing by certified audiologists, speech language pathologists, and auditory verbal therapists.

Each patient receives consultation services to explore hearing restoration options and auditory training to help patients and their families maximize the benefit of their cochlear implant.

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Jun. 25, 2015

Deafness Can’t Quiet Mighty Melody
Melody spent 136 days in the NICU. She didn't respond to sound. Read about her journey to be able to finally hear.
Oct. 11, 2013

Cochlear Implants: Severe Hearing Loss Couldn't Silence This Singer

Music is embedded in Anne Walker’s DNA.

Sep. 10, 2014

FDA Approves Cochlear Nucleus Hybrid Implant System with key input from local study participants at Saint Luke's Hospital Midwest Ear Institute
Midwest Ear Institute was one of 10 U.S. sites selected to participate in clinical trials for the device beginning in 2003. It was the only Kansas City group selected. 
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Apr. 19, 2017

KSHB: Tech restores hearing for Kansas City teen
Imagine living most of your life without hearing. One teen has done just that, but things are about to change. Watch her get her coclear implant turned on for the first time.
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Apr. 28, 2015

KCTV5 NEWS: Cranking Up the Volume...Teens at Increased Risk for Hearing Loss
KCTV5 interviewed Dr. Robert Cullen at Saint Luke's Hospital Midwest Ear Institute about the increased risk of hearing loss teens are facing and what parents can do about it. 

Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute

Saint Luke’s Hospital Midwest Ear Institute is staffed by a team of audiology experts who knows the importance of personalized care, and that one size doesn’t fit all – that’s why we offer patients the full range of hearing restoration services, from comprehensive diagnostics to hearing and balance treatment and our acclaimed cochlear implant program.