"While the benefits of bilateral cochlear implants have been shown in adults, there are several unknowns in children," said Joseph Roberson, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and managing partner of CEI, and the surgeon who implanted the twins' cochlear implants on July 11. "Hearing aids in both ears have proved to be better than in one ear alone, and we believe that two cochlear implants will also be better than one on many levels."
For the Hogan twins, Dr. Roberson believes that early intervention will be their strongest predictor of a successful outcome. First diagnosed within two weeks of birth, the twins are now given the chance for auditory and speech development to proceed normally with bilateral cochlear implants. Because language is set within the first five years, earlier detection can often provide deaf and hard of hearing children the chance to lead a more normal life.
"Infant children have a critical time period for language development. If the brain is not given auditory input and stimulation during this timeframe, then that part of development shuts down," said Dr. Roberson. "Cochlear implant technology has improved rapidly within the past 10 years because of improvements in both hardware and software. Right now, when surgery is performed early enough, my patients typically demonstrate normal hearing and speech development. We expect the same will be true for the Hogan twins."
"We are proud of our involvement in pioneering bilateral implantation of cochlear implants, because our work has the potential to positively impact the lives of so many people like Olivia and Talullah," said Jeffrey Greiner, head of Boston Scientific's Neuromodulation Group. "We continuously strive to deliver technologies that will help users reach their maximum hearing potential."
About the HiResolution Bionic Ear System
The cochlear implant is the only technology approved to restore a human sense. One of the most sophisticated medical implants available, the technologically advanced HiResolution Bionic Ear System is designed to: offer richer, fuller and more natural sounds; provide a more complete awareness of sounds in the environment, from a whisper to a shout or from near to far; and bring music appreciation into the realm of possibility. The key to the HiResolution system is in how sound is captured and composed, as well as the detail of the sound captured-with the objective of delivering the sound as accurately and clearly as possible.
Patients interested in the HiResolution Bionic Ear System should speak to their hearing professional, or visit www.bionicear.com for more information.
About CEI
CEI was founded in 1968, and provides treatment and specializes in hearing and balance-related disorders. Founded in 2003, the symbiotic Let Them Hear Foundation's mission is to provide hearing services, education for professionals and the public sector, and research of the functions and diseases of the ear with the use of innovative treatment techniques domestically and internationally, including developing nations that may not otherwise provide treatment options for hearing impaired individuals. For more information, visit, www.californiaearinstitute.com and www.letthemhear.org.
About Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Boston Scientific wishes to caution the reader of this press release that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be adversely affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development and commercialization, clinical trials, intellectual property, regulatory approvals, competitive offerings, integration of acquired companies, Boston Scientific's overall business strategy, and other factors described in Boston Scientific's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.