Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals 18 years of age or older * Obtain limited benefit from appropriately fitted hearing aids * Bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss \_ Severe-to-profound hearing loss is determined by a pure-tone average (PTA) superior or equal (≥) to 70 dB HL at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. Limited benefit from amplification is defined by scores of 50% or less on a validated sentence recognition test in quiet (AzBio sentences), in the best-aided listening condition \_ Exclusion Criteria: * Previous cochlear implantation * Ossification or any other cochlear anomaly that might prevent complete insertion of the electrode array * Active external or middle ear infections or tympanic membrane perforation in the ear to be implanted * Presence of medical contraindications to middle-ear or inner-ear surgery or anesthesia as required * Diagnosis of retro-cochlear pathology * Diagnosis of auditory neuropathy * Unrealistic expectations on the part of the subject regarding the possible benefits, risks, and limitations that are inherent to the surgical procedure and use of the prosthetic device * Unwillingness or inability to comply with all investigational requirements * Additional cognitive, medical, or social handicaps that would prevent completion of all study requirements