This is the official audio podcast of MED-EL. This podcast is designed as a learning tool and is a convenient way for professionals to update themselves on the new developments in hearing solutions. Join our channel and be the first to hear what we are up to. Feedback is more than welcome!
Alex and Lukas from Product Management provide an overview of MED-EL's digital care ecosystem. They will talk about how digital tools and services can make the lives of professionals and their patients easier along the entire patient journey. From finding information on hearing solutions all the way to reaching peak performance through individualized hearing rehabilitation. *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
Peter Grasso and Florian Feichtner talk to Marcus Schmidt about how the clinical support they provide increases reliability: they work in multidisciplinary teams to aid clinicians along the entire patient pathway, answer questions, make expert recommendations, and provide training. Weblinks: (free professional myMED-EL login required, sign up at https://my.medel.com/) MED-EL Academy Course: Clinical Support Materials (medel.com)
MED-EL's audio processors have low average monthly repair rates, but sometimes issues do arise. Audiological scientist Katherine Wilson, Peter Konecny, and Manfred Pieber discuss design aspects that keep this number low - such as analyzing weakness in devices that do break and improving them with each new generation - and how devices are serviced reliably when there are problems to get users hearing again as quickly as possible. Weblinks: Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro) Enjoying All-Day Hearing With the RONDO 3 Audio Processor | MED-EL - YouTube
MRI is a very common medical procedure for both otological and non-otological reasons, so it shouldn't have complications or be painful for hearing implant recipients. Dr. Ingo Todt and Dr. Martin Zimmerling talk to Manfred Pieber about the features of MED-EL implants that reduce or eliminate complications - such as magnet dislocation - during MRI: a freely rotating, robust, diametrically bipolar magnet that is removable when it is necessary to reduce the size of imaging artifacts. Weblinks: Importance of Safe MRI Access in Cochlear Implants: Dr. Nancy M. Young - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) MRI Scans with MED-EL Cochlear Implants - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Important Safety Information MRI & Hearing Implants: Reducing Image Artifacts With the BONEBRIDGE Bone Conduction Implant - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Experiences and Key Learnings in MRI Scanning with MED-EL Hearing Implants Literature Links: MRI Observation After Intralabyrinthine and Vestibular Schwannoma Resection and Cochlear Implantation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32903399/) Quality Control after Intracochlear Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma Resection and Cochlear Implantation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34573240/) Prevalence and complications of MRI scans of cochlear implant patients: English version (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26886493/) Cochlear implants and 1.5 T MRI scans: the effect of diametrically bipolar magnets and screw fixation on pain (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29402322/) Pain Free 3 T MRI Scans in Cochlear Implantees (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28938274/) Comparison of Cochlear Implant Magnets and Their MRI Artifact Size (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32420348/) MRI Artifacts and Cochlear Implant Positioning at 3 T In Vivo (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25634466/) Prospective Evaluation of 3 T MRI Effect on Residual Hearing Function of Cochlea Implantees (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36291339/)
Prof. Dr. Kristen Rak and Patrick Müller talk to Marcus Schmidt about their clinical experiences with the VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE, the active middle ear implant that has been on the market the longest. They discuss its simplicity and flexibility, the characteristics that ensure its reliability, and the importance of considering feedback from surgeons when refining features to improve reliability for future implant generations. Weblinks: 25 Years of VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE: A Success Story - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE VORP 503 Active Middle Ear Implant Important Safety Information Performance Assessment: VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE VORP 503 Middle Ear Implant - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Literature Links: Long-Term Safety and Quality of Life after Vibroplasty in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Short/Long Incus Process Coupler (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34044387/) Long-Term Stability and Safety of the Soundbridge Coupled to the Round Window (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33210744/) Long-term results of incus vibroplasty in patients with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25824716/) Health at a Glance 2021: OECD Indicators (https://doi.org/10.1787/ae3016b9-en)
BONEBRIDGE is different from other bone conduction devices. Prof. Georg Sprinzl, Christine Mühlöcker, and Marcus Schmidt discuss how design differences make BONEBRIDGE devices safer and more reliable than the competitors' devices, and even ideal for children. For excellent reliability, BCI 602 has a robust transducer, a low profile, and is transcutaneous for intact skin. It has two-point fixation and is embedded in the bone for stability, and is MR-conditional at 1.5 Tesla.* * The BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant is MR conditional. Recipients with BONEBRIDGE may be safely MRI scanned at 1.5 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use. Weblinks: Is BONEBRIDGE a Good Hearing Solution for Children? - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Bone Conduction Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro) Safety outcomes of bone conduction and middle ear implants: a systematic review Reliable Hearing by Design: MED-EL's BONEBRIDGE MRI & Hearing Implants: Reducing Image Artifacts With the BONEBRIDGE Bone Conduction Implant - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro)
Speech and language therapist Pedro Brás da Silva and Joanna Shepherd talk to Manfred Pieber about the aspects of reliability that are especially important for children with cochlear implants. Receiving quality sound all day is crucial to children's learning and development, so having a reliable audio processor and implant is therefore essential. Weblinks: Factors Affecting Communication Outcomes in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Is BONEBRIDGE a Good Hearing Solution for Children? - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro)
Prof. Sebastian Schmerber and Dr. Anandhan Dhanasingh talk to Manfred Pieber about how the design features of MED-EL's flexible, free-fitting, straight FLEX series electrode arrays contribute to implant safety and reliability by reducing the occurrence of common problems such as tip fold-over, scalar deviation, and migration and also preserve intracochlear structures. Weblinks: Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro) Electrode Arrays | MED-EL Pro (medel.pro) FLEX Series: Most Atraumatic Cochlear Implant Electrode Arrays - MED-EL Professionals Blog (medel.pro) Download the full Reliability Report at: Reliable Cochlear Implants by Design from MED-EL (medel.com) Literature Links: An overview of cochlear implant electrode array designs (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29102129/) Review on cochlear implant electrode array tip fold-over and scalar deviation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31467506/) Scalar localization by cone-beam computed tomography of cochlear implant carriers: a comparative study between straight and periomodiolar precurved electrode arrays (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25575374/) Correlation Between Cochlear Length, Insertion Angle, and Tonotopic Mismatch for MED-EL FLEX28 Electrode Arrays (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34538852/) Suitable Electrode Choice for Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Systematic Literature Review of Manual Electrode Insertion Adverse Events (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35402479/)
Comparing manufacturer reliability data can be difficult. Surgeon and researcher Sumit Agrawal and MED-EL reliability expert Manfred Pieber share their professional insights into this topic with Marcus Schmidt. Clinical studies on reliability can also provide valuable insights into implant manufacturers. Weblinks: Refer to pages 4-14 and 32 after downloading the report from: Reliable Hearing by Design: MED-EL Cochlear Implants Reliable Hearing by Design: MED-EL's BONEBRIDGE Literature Links: Cochlear implant failures and reimplantation: A 30-year analysis and literature review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31112331/) Evaluating Reasons for Revision Surgery and Device Failure Rates in Patients Who Underwent Cochlear Implantation Surgery (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32134441/) The reliability of hearing implants: report on the type and incidence of cochlear implant failures (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32156201/) The French Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear implantation complications (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32861600/) The French National Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear explantation and reimplantation (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32826202/)
Hearing implant reliability starts with the design process. Dominik Hammerer and Bernhard Jamnig talk to Manfred Pieber about new device development and steps in the manufacturing process that contribute to reliability, including feasibility, hermeticity, impact, environmental, and vibration testing that ensure all requirements are met. Results from thorough investigations of explanted devices are also considered when designing new implants. Weblinks: Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro) Bone Conduction Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro)
Since reliability is an important topic for hearing implant recipients and surgeons, MED-EL publishes reliability reports regularly. But there is more to reliability than high cumulative survival rates. Manfred Pieber and Marcus Schmidt discuss the aspects of design and technology that contribute to implant and audio processor safety and reliability, including structure preservation and independent safety capacitors. Weblinks: Reliable Cochlear Implants by Design from MED-EL (medel.com) Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability (medel.pro)
From his research outcomes and clinical experience, Dr. Michael Canfarotta shares what the minimal angular of insertion of a CI electrode should be in order to optimize hearing outcomes.
For us to understand how the brain can adapt to a cochlear implant, Prof. Michael Dorman, PhD, explains the complex topics of tonotopicity and brain plasticity in simple words. He also describes how we can support the brain so there is a greater chance to optimize the hearing outcome.
From his research outcomes and clinical experience, Dr. Michael Canfarotta shares what the minimal angular of insertion of a CI electrode should be in order to optimize hearing outcomes.
Dr. Michael Canfarotta explains how, in the majority of cases, the cochlear implant program in his clinic can perform full electrode insertion with the longest commercial CI electrode in the field when the individualized measurement for each cochlear duct length was accounted for.
In this episode, Prof. Van de Heyning shares 3 harmful results which could occur when an electrode is inserted into the cochlea and how we can prevent it. He also discusses why straight electrodes are a suitable and preferable choice for robotic and CI surgery.
The differences between the two main types of cochlear implant electrode arrays are explained in this episode by Dr. Hans Thomeer. Specifically, how these two electrode designs and surgical approaches can affect translocation after the electrode insertion, and what might be a better option.
Prof. Dr. Assen Koitschev shares his experiences with the MED-EL's BONEBRIDGE in children with single-sided deafness. Indications, surgical considerations, and outcomes are discussed.
Prof. Piotr Henryk Skarżyński, M.D., Ph.D., MSc. shares his experiences with the MED-EL's BONEBRIDGE in children with mixed hearing loss. Indications, surgical considerations, and outcomes are covered during this episode.
Joke Veltman, a professional pianist and CI recipient, shares her CI journey and encourages others with tips to bring music back into their lives after implantation. For more recipient stories, visit our YouTube channel.
Roy Smith, an amateur musician and bilateral CI recipient, describes his road back to music following implantation and shares a message for those who are newly activated.
Johanna Boyer, MED-EL's resident musicologist, introduces Meludia, our online music training program, and shares additional rehabilitation resources for professionals, recipients, and their families. Links: Register on myMED-EL for a two-week free trial of Meludia. Download MED-EL's music resources from our website. Visit our blog for helpful posts on music. Check out our Spotify playlist! Contact Johanna Boyer with your questions.
Ritva Torppa, a University Lecturer of Logopedics and post-doctoral fellow at the University of Helsinki, shares the benefits of musical experience for spoken language development in cochlear implant recipients and offers ideas about musical activities for children.
Daniel Hofer, Advanced Research Engineer, and Melissa Waller, audiologist in Education & Training, discuss how the unique features MED-EL's cochlear implant technology supports music perception for CI recipients. Learn more about MED-EL's Complete Cochlear Coverage and FineHearing™ here.
Aneesha Pretto, Advanced Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL, reviews some key considerations for counselling and developing a rehabilitation program for hearing implant recipients with SSD. View the Single-Sided Deafness & Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation course on the MED-EL Academy with a myMED-EL account. Visit Our MED-EL Blog to find out more about Rehabilitation for SSD: https://blog.medel.com/5-rehabilitation-tips-for-single-sided-deafness/ https://blog.medel.com/single-sided-deafness/ https://blog.medel.com/cochlear-implant-rehab-for-ssd-how-to-improve-your-understanding-of-speech-in-noise/
Aneesha Pretto, Advanced Rehabilitation Manager at MED-EL, discusses why rehabilitation for individuals with SSD is important and shares some useful resources for professionals. View the Single-Sided Deafness & Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation course on the MED-EL Academy with a myMED-EL account. Visit Our MED-EL Blog to find out more about Rehabilitation for SSD https://blog.medel.com/5-rehabilitation-tips-for-single-sided-deafness/ https://blog.medel.com/single-sided-deafness/ https://blog.medel.com/cochlear-implant-rehab-for-ssd-how-to-improve-your-understanding-of-speech-in-noise/
Aneesha Pretto, Advanced Rehabilitation Manager, offers an overview of readily available MED-EL resources that rehabilitation professionals can use to assess and monitor progress for adolescent and adult hearing implant recipients. Explore the Lite Version of Hear Today for iOS and Android. Get the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index -19
Aneesha Pretto, Advanced Rehabilitation Manager, introduced the Adult Rehabilitation Kits that professionals can use to get started with adult rehabilitation for hearing implant recipients. Find the Adult Rehabilitation Kits on our MED-EL Professionals Blog.
In this episode, Melissa Waller and Nikola Ivanovic discuss how OTOPLAN contributes to individualized solutions for MED-EL hearing implant users.
In this episode, Melissa Waller and Nikola Ivanovic talk about how audiologists the data obtained from OTOPLAN.
In this episode, Nikola Ivanovic (Clincial Specialist in R&D at MED-EL) discusses how OTOPLAN is used in surgical planning and post-operative programming.
In this episode, Daniel Sieber gives advice to surgeons new to MED-EL's electrode portfolio. General recommendations and important tips are included in this podcast.
In this episode, Daniel Sieber and Melissa Waller discuss the length of MED-EL's electrode. Daniel explains the advantages of long electrode arrays and why they could result in better hearing performance.
In this episode, Daniel Sieber explains the decision behind the number of channels of MED-EL's flex series of electrodes. He explains that more channels are not always better and highlights which features are important to achieve the closest to natural hearing.
In this podcast, Daniel Sieber, Head of Electrodes & Surgical, Research & Development, explains MED-EL's philosophy behind the electrode design. Daniel talks about the conceptualization of the electrode design and its important attributes.
After identifying a patient as a candidate for Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) and successful implantation, the post-op process begins. In this episode, Melissa Waller talks with Prem Ranjan about fitting considerations in EAS users.
In this podcast, Prem Ranjan discusses the EAS intra-operative process and tools available to monitor the preservation of residual hearing.
In this podcast, Prem Ranjan (Advanced Product Manager at MED-EL HQ) discusses what Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) is and candidacy criteria.
Here is another episode with essential CI fitting tips, this time for children. Alex Burtscher, MED-EL Product Manager for Clincial Software, shares tips based on practical experiences for finding a simple fitting strategy for pediatric cochlear implant users.
Listen to this podcast episode and learn from Alex Burtscher (Product Manager for Clinical Software at MED-EL HQ) about default parameters in the MAESTRO software and how they are determined. Alex shares advice for commonly experienced situations when programming a MED-EL implant user.
This episode is about basic fitting of a MED-EL Cochlear Implant. Alex Burtscher, Product Manager for Clinical Software at MED-EL HQ shares practical programming guidelines for fitting a patient with the MAESTRO software.
The audio processor SAMBA 2 has many features and benefits. But are those also designed in such way that it can keep up with the everyday life of a child? Peter Grasso (Head of Clinical Support, VIBRANT) explains in this fifth podcast episode of the series BONEBRIDGE IN CHILDREN, how children benefit everyday from the SAMBA 2 audio processor and accessories.
SYMFIT 8, the software for bone conduction solutions, supports a straight forward fitting process for patients and allows individual adaptions for the best possible programming. Annette Schweig (Clinical Support Specialist) talks with Peter Grasso who is Head of Clinical Support at MEDEL's business unit VIBRANT about this in the fourth episode of the podcast series BONEBRIDGE in Children.
How are children benefiting from the features and functionalities of the SAMBA 2 audio processor? Product Manager Marina Brunnhofer shares in this third episode of the BONEBRIDGE IN CHILDREN series these advantages of the SAMBA 2 and introduces also accessories of the audio processor.
In this episode, Christine Mühlöcker explains how the BONEBRIDGE Implant System works and why this is a good bone conduction solution for children. Annette Schweig (Clinical Support Specialist) is joined by Christine who is a Senior Product Manager at MED-EL BU VIBRANT for this second episode of the podcast series BONEBRIDGE in Children.
In this first episode of the podcast series "BB in Children", Christine Mühlöcker shares the success stories of the first BB implants in adults and children in her talk with Annette Schweig (Clinical Support Specialist). Christine has many years of experience as Senior Product Manager for BB at MED-EL HQ and explains also how a patients benefit from the reliability of the BONEBRIDGE, also with the second generation of the implant. More information on the BCI 602 is available here: https://www.medel.com/hearing-solutions/bonebridge
Martin Zimmerling, the Head of Implant Development at MED-EL, shares in this podcast episode the clinical experiences of diametric magnet design that has been available since 2014.
What is important to consider, when MRI scans are planned for patients with MED-EL Hearing implants? In this episode, Melissa Waller (Head of Education & Training) and Martin Zimmerling (Head of Implant Development) discuss important information for CI surgeons and radiologists, when planning an MRI for MED-EL hearing implant users.
In this episode, Martin Zimmerling, Head of Implant Development at MED-EL, explains how magnets in MED-EL hearing implants are designed, so they provide maximum safety to patients undergoing MRI scans.
In the final episode, Melissa Waller and Anil Ayvaz discuss how wireless streaming and the AudioKey 2 app complete the RONDO 3 experience.
In this episode, Anil Ayvaz and Melissa Waller look at how RONDO 3's design, charging options, and water-resistance make it an easy-to-use audio processor.
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