New study supports earlier access to implants for kids with hearing loss

​A cochlear implant is a small electronic medical device hat replaces damaged parts of the inner ear. ​Results of the new study led by researchers at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago showed that most children younger than 1-year-old experienced meaningful improvements in hearing and listening skills within a year after receiving a cochlear implant. Those Infants did not experience complications more than older children, providing additional evidence that earlier intervention can be performed safely. The study resulted in the FDA expanding the implant's eligibility to infants and other children who have problems with hearing aids.