Research Initiatives
MED-EL works hard every day to study hearing health and to share new information with the world. We want to learn everything we can about hearing loss and how to make hearing better. We always strive to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life.
Research Laboratory
Our work in the lab is focused on developing new methods of processing sound for MED-EL’s cochlear implants. During a typical week of testing, participants perform speech tests and psychophysical procedures. Speech reception and speech quality are evaluated in quiet and simulated noisy environments. Psychophysics describes a field of study in which we evaluate the perception (psycho-) of changes to one aspect of a (physical) stimulus, like loudness or pitch. We use a computer in place of the external cochlear implant audio processor, allowing us to test new algorithms and strategies that take advantage of the capabilities of the implanted components, but are not yet possible on the current generation of our commercial devices.
Clinical Research
Our research team supports cutting-edge studies to improve outcomes for MED-EL users. Ongoing research provides new ideas and advances in hearing devices. This web page lists research studies looking for MED-EL users. Criteria to join research vary for each study.
Current Research Studies
If you are a cochlear implant candidate or a MED-EL recipient and are interested in one of these research opportunities, please click on the link for additional details.
Single-Sided Deafness and Asymmetric Hearing Loss Post-Approval Study
Study sponsor: MED-EL Corporation
Study aim: To assess long-term safety and effectiveness of cochlear implantation for individuals with single-sided deafness and asymmetric hearing loss
Currently enrolling: Individuals over 12 years of age with profound hearing loss in one ear and mild to moderate hearing loss in the other ear (asymmetric hearing loss).
Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness in the Medicare Population
Study sponsor: MED-EL Corporation
Study aim: To assess safety and effectiveness of cochlear implantation for individuals with single-sided deafness who are 65 years of age or older
Currently enrolling: Individuals 65 years of age and older with profound hearing loss in one ear and normal or near-normal hearing in the other ear
Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing in Children
Expanded Indications in the Pediatric BONEBRIDGE Population
Study sponsor: MED-EL Corporation
Study aim: To assess safety and effectiveness of the BONEBRIDGE Bone Conduction Implant in children under 12 years old with conductive or mixed hearing loss
Will be enrolling: Children under 12 years old with bone-conduction thresholds better than or equal to 45 dB HL at 500-4000 Hz in the ear to be implanted
