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SPECIALTIES

Cochlear Implant Program

The Cochlear Implant Program for adults and children is a keystone mission of the IU School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. The program has a remarkable and long history of ensuring access for patients with an interest in cochlear implants who would benefit from the technology.

Sarah Burgin examines a patient's ear in the clinic with a bright light and magnifying device

The cochlear implant team is led by otolaryngology surgeons at IU School of Medicine and audiologists. In addition to new patients and surgery, the team manages cochlear implants for more than 2,000 people who have received the devices for both common and highly complex issues.

Pediatric and adult cochlear implant indications are expanding to include residual, low-frequency hearing for individuals who do not derive benefit from hearing aids as well as hearing loss in one ear.

Looking for Patient Care?

To schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist (ENT), call IU Health at 317-944-6467 or search the IU Health Find a Doctor portal.

490+ articles published on cochlear implants
100+ cochlear implant surgeries performed each year
5 physicians and scientists focusing on cochlear implant technology

Program History

The Cochlear Implant Program at IU School of Medicine has a long-standing history of excellence dating back to 1979 when Richard T. Miyamoto, MD, implanted his first single channel cochlear implant device. At the time, cochlear implants were on the forefront of medical technology and the long-term effects of cochlear implantation were not known.  Under Dr. Miyamoto’s guidance, the program was established and continued to grow as the positive benefits of implantation became increasingly evident. As the clinical team began seeing these benefits, Dr. Miyamoto’s commitment to documenting the advantages of cochlear implantation was furthered with the development of the DeVault Otologic Research Laboratory. Dr. Miyamoto served as a spokesperson to the FDA for clinical trials to establish the efficacy for use of cochlear implants as an option for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss.

Throughout the years, cochlear implant technology has continued to improve. The program, located in IU Health Riley Hospital for Children on the Indiana University academic medical center campus, offers care to both adults and children. It remains a leader in this field of ever-changing technology. The surgeons, audiologists and speech language pathologists that comprise the team continue to provide the highest quality and state-of-the-art care to all individuals with cochlear implants, making it internationally recognized as a clinical center and research resource.

Cochlear Implant Surgeons

Evan Cumpston, MD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology & H/N Surgery

Rick F. Nelson, MD, PhD

Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Charles W. Yates, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery