River Cities Ear Nose and Throat Specialists

	For further information contact:
	B. Joseph Touma, M.D. Touma Ear and Balance Center 1616 13th Avenue, Suite 100 Huntington, WV 25701 304.522.8800 or 800.955.3277

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Cochlear Implants

The severely hearing impaired patients now can achieve a substantial improvement in their hearing thanks to the recent technological advances by the use of the Cochlear Implant.

This technology has been evolving for several years and recently it became an outstanding way to help severely hearing handicapped people.

The principle of this technology is to introduce multichannel electrodes to the cochlea (where the nerve of hearing begins) connected to a processor fastened to the bone behind the ear and covered with skin. The sound will be delivered to the processor through a receiver that is coupled to it by a magnet.

This technology allows the signal to stimulate various areas of the cochlea that coincide with various pitches. Following surgery, a team consisting of an audiologist, a speech pathologist, and the ear surgeon will conduct rehabilitation that usually lasts for a few weeks of training and counseling.

The Huntington Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, PLLC staff and Joseph B. Touma, M.D.,F.A.C.S. (Ear and Balance Specialist) have multidisciplinary teams to perform this exciting and promising service for the Tri-State's severely hearing impaired patients.

For additional information or to make an appointment, please contact River Cities Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, P.L.L.C. at (304) 522-8800 or (800) 955-3277.