Asan Medical Center Confirms Cochlear Implant Restores Brain

Asan Medical Center Proves Cochlear Implant Restores Brain Function

A research team led by Professor Hongju Park from the Department of Otolaryngology at Asan Medical Center in Seoul has made a groundbreaking discovery, confirming for the first time that the brain’s auditory cortex can recover following cochlear implant surgery.

△ Professor Hongju Park from the Department of Otolaryngology at Asan Medical Center in Seoul is treating a patient with severe hearing loss [Photo by ⓒnews.amc.seoul.kr]

The study involved 16 adult patients who had received cochlear implants due to acquired hearing loss. One year after the implantation, MRI scans revealed a significant increase in the volume of the cerebral cortex responsible for auditory processing.

This study is particularly significant as it demonstrates that cochlear implants not only restore hearing function but also contribute to the structural recovery of the brain.

The research found a strong correlation between the extent of cortical recovery and the improvement in auditory function, suggesting that cochlear implants may help maintain cognitive function in the aging population, where hearing loss is increasingly common.

Professor Park emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating, “This study shows that cochlear implants can restore both hearing and the auditory cortex in adults who have lost their hearing. As untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and even dementia, we recommend cochlear implants for those who find hearing aids insufficient for effective communication.”

The findings have been published in the latest edition of Scientific Reports, a sister journal of Nature.

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