Duke's cochlear implant program has long been a leader in the field, performing some of the first cochlear implant surgeries in the country. The research efforts put forth by the program have contributed to some of the major advances in the field, resulting in better care and better outcomes for our patients.

A cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to provide sound detection and improved speech understanding to severely hearing impaired children and adults.

Read more about how cochlear implants work.

Comprehensive Care to Improve Hearing
Cochlear implants can improve hearing for individuals who do not benefit from hearing aids. Implants can be performed for either one or both ears, but are only available for patients with hearing loss in both ears, not for hearing loss in one ear only.

Our multidisciplinary team of experts provides evaluations, treatment, and long-term support for cochlear implant recipients. Our neurotologists work closely with audiologists from the initial fitting and rehabilitation of the device to ongoing management of device performance.

This procedure is safe and effective for patients of all ages. Duke neurotologists Debara Tucci, MD, and David Kaylie, MD, are experienced in performing implants on children as young as 12 months and adults into their 80’s.

Contact Us
To contact the Duke Hearing Center or schedule an appointment with one of our neurotologists, please complete the contact form.

Audiologists

• Sara Unrein

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Kaylie, David M.
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Tucci, Debara L.
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery