Cochlear implantation is believed to be one of the most important technologic achievements to have occurred in the 20th century for the treatment of profound hearing loss. Recent advances in biology and medicine have introduced new concepts in the study of cochlear implants and related science. Many changes have taken place including improvements in hardware technique, expansion of candidacy, and clinical outcome. The special issue will focus on multidisciplinary approach to cochlear implantation, with special interest in basic research, and latest surgical and technological developments for refinement of cochlear implantation. We will also emphasize audiological and speech/language issues and educational/academic outcomes after cochlear implant.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the cochlear implant technology, the development of strategies to treat deafness, and the evaluation of outcomes.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Medical:
  • Classical and alternative surgical approaches
  • Basic research: hair cell regeneration and gene therapy
  • Residual hearing preservation
  • Brainstem implants and bone conduction implants
  • Radiological imaging
• Audiology:
  • Electrophysiology
  • Audiological outcomes of cochlear implants
  • Neonatal screening
• Educational/Academic Outcomes:
  • Speech and language outcomes
  • Expressive writing and cognitive and executive functioning in CI users