iotaSOFT® Robotic-Assisted Insertion System for Cochlear Implantation Helps Vietnam Vet

A 74-year-old Vietnam veteran was using hearing aids for years until experiencing persistent ringing. He consulted with Ravi Samy, MD, professor and Chief of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence.

Dr. Samy determined that a cochlear implant would be the best course of action, in part because the individual had lost all hearing in his left ear, and hearing aids were not helping him anymore. He felt that the person would do well using a new robotic-assisted system called iotaSOFT for insertion. Lehigh Valley Health Network is one of the first centers in the country using the thumb-sized system to guide cochlear implant procedures.

Cochlear implants are no longer just for those with severe hearing loss. Multiple small devices, including the implant, surgically placed underneath the skin, and an audio processor that sits outside, behind the ear, comprise the cochlear implant. Implants replace the damaged sensory hair cells inside the cochlea, which do not regenerate, meaning that this kind of hearing loss will not get better without treatment.

While cochlear implants provide an improved quality of sound over that of hearing aids, they present challenges related to insertion, since even the best of surgical hands have a tremor.

“The goal is to insert the array into the cochlea with as little trauma as possible. The membranes and structures are so delicate they can tear, like wet tissue paper,” Dr. Samy says.

He partnered with iotaMotion Inc., developers of the iotaSOFT Insertion System, to bring his patients this alternative. He remains committed to working with iotaMotion on the use of the system and future advancements of the technology. The system slows the process down, reducing the force and smoothing the insertion, so there is less disturbance to these sensitive areas, and, according to Dr. Samy, “is truly a game changer for many patients.” 

After a cochlear implant, individuals require additional resources to produce good results. After implant placement, people should work with an audiologist and speech-language pathologist to retrain their brain to filter out background noise and focus on what they are listening to.

For this patient, every day brings better hearing. He reports an amazing experience thanks to his surgeon and health care team.