University Hospitals Launches Phase 3 Trial for Fully Implantable Cochlear Implant

University Hospitals in Northeast Ohio has begun participating in a Phase 3 clinical trial for a new, fully implantable cochlear implant system. This investigational device, known as the Totally Implantable Cochlear Implant, is designed to function entirely under the skin. Unlike traditional implants, it does not require an external sound processor worn behind the ear. Three patients have already received the device at the hospital, marking the completion of the site's enrollment for the study. The trial is sponsored by Cochlear, a global leader in the development of implantable hearing solutions. Researchers are now following these participants for one year to monitor both safety and hearing performance. The study, called the ELEVATE trial, includes 56 participants across 11 different sites in the United States. Candidates for the trial are adults who suffer from moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss and struggle with speech understanding. The medical team at University Hospitals was selected for this research due to their extensive background in cochlear implant studies. The local team includes otologist and neurotologist Cameron Wick and audiologist Viral Tejani. By removing the need for external hardware, the device aims to provide a more seamless experience for users. This technology represents a significant shift in how hearing loss is managed surgically. If the trial proves successful, it could offer a new standard of care for patients seeking a discreet and fully internal solution for their hearing needs.