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Discovery of the Electrolytic Cell
Alessandro Volta discovered the electrolytic cell (battery). Why is this important?: He stimulated the auditory system electrically by connecting a battery (about 50 V) to two metal rods and inserted them in his ears. From this, he was able to hear some sound. -
Importance of the Cochlea
Discovered that the cochlea is the site of stimulation for sound. How did they do it?: They surgically removed other parts of the ear (such as the tympanic membrane) and found that a patient could still hear. -
Research on how we hear
Research on how sound is understood improved: they realized that the middle ear creates mechanical vibrations for sound. -
Hearing Research
From 1950-1966, extensive research was conducted with volunteer patients that gives insight into how we hear. -
First devices implanted
In the 1960's, Dr. William House implanted several devices in totally deaf volunteer patients. These each worked for a short time. Dr. House worked with engineer Jack Urban to develop the cochlear implant. -
First Speech Processor
The first speech processor was developed to interface with the House 3M single-electrode implant More than 1,000 people were implanted from 1972 into the 1980's. -
First children are implanted
In the 1980's several hundred children were implanted with the cochlear implant. -
Cochlear Implant approved
FDA formally approves the marketing of the 3M House cochlear implant. -
Multi-channel cochlear implant
Australia develops multiple channel devices. This is called "Nucleus multi-channel cochlear implant." -
Nucleus Cochlear Implant approved
The FDA officially approves the use of the Nucleus Cochlear Implant for adults. -
1000th patient
1000th patient is implanted -
Children approved
The first cochlear implant system to gain approval for use by children -
10,000th patient
10,000th patient is implanted -
Warrenty
First cochlear implant company to offer a ten-year warrenty. -
Nucleus 24
First Nucleus 24 implant system -
20,000th patient
20,000th patient implanted -
Nucleus 24 Contour for children
Nucleus 24 Contour is the first implant approved for children 12 months and older. -
BTE processor
First BTE processor with built-in telecoil and whisper setting. -
First wireless FM System
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New technologies
First Nucleus Freedom implant system with SmartSound First water resistant sound processor First multi-microphone sound processor -
80,000th patient
80,000th patient implanted
