State-of-the-art surgical procedures and technology

• At the Koss Cochlear Implant Program we use the most current techniques for cochlear implant surgery, including the “soft surgical approach.” The goal of this surgery is to place a cochlear implant in the ear without damaging your current hearing. Although this technique is most relevant to those with better hearing thresholds, we also use this gentler surgical approach to protect the delicate ear structures in patients with profound hearing loss. The hearing preservation approach is designed to help cochlear implant users hear better in noise, increase enjoyment of music, and decrease dizziness after surgery.
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  We also provide the most recent device technology, and you can choose from all cochlear implant brands available in the United States. Also, with our involvement in clinical trials we can offer access to technology not yet available in the U.S.

Many listening options

• Historically, the listening option for most cochlear implant patients was to use a cochlear implant in only one ear. We believe that, whenever possible, patients should able to use their full hearing potential from both ears. We strive to optimize listening for our patients who continue to wear a hearing aid in the opposite ear, and we also have many patients with cochlear implants in both ears. For our patients with two cochlear implants, we have implanted the devices either during the same surgery (simultaneous), or during separate surgeries (sequential). We work with patients to decide the listening options with which they are most comfortable and would gain the most benefit.

Friends and neighbors! 

• Our cochlear implant team follows patients from communities all over Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and several other states. Several patients have moved to distant states but return to us for their cochlear implant and hearing care. We have many patients who are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with individuals who are interested in learning more about cochlear implants.

It's Academic!

• The Koss Cochlear Implant Program is a program of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is affiliated with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital. We have a strong academic mission in addition to our emphasis in clinical care. Our team has given numerous presentations at local, national, and international cochlear implant research and clinical conferences. We have also attended and served as instructors at international workshops for training in soft surgical techniques and other technological advances in cochlear implants. We have a highly active research program including studies of genetic hearing loss, aging and cochlear implant performance, electrode placement in hearing preservation surgery, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, and many other topics. We feel that combining our clinical experience and our research initiatives gives our patients access to leading technology and allows us to offer the highest possible level of patient care.