Has CI technology improved as fast as HAs?

[jillio]

The Clarion is not the current AB device. The 90k is.

BionicEar.com - Harmony Cochlear Implant by Advanced Bionics

Is the cochlear implant safe with MRI?
Only after the magnet has been removed. As referrals for MRI are increasing, it is comforting to know that your implant is safe with this imaging technique. But you must be sure to have the magnet removed first.


The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the HiResolution® Bionic Ear System's HiRes 90K® implant for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 0.3 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla with the internal magnet removed.

Yes, after a surgical procedure that removes the magnet, and then replaces it following the MRI. Given the fact that the magnet is the problem with receiving an MRI, and it has always been possible to remove and replace the magnet surgically, this isn't much of an improvement.

 

[faire_jour]

Yes, after a surgical procedure that removes the magnet, and then replaces it following the MRI. Given the fact that the magnet is the problem with receiving an MRI, and it has always been possible to remove and replace the magnet surgically, this isn't much of an improvement.

Nooooo, in previous generations the magnet was not removable.

 

[jillio]

Nooooo, in previous generations the magnet was not removable.

If it is put in surgically, it can be removed surgically. The procedure for doing so was simply more complicated, and replacement was as well.

 

[faire_jour]

If it is put in surgically, it can be removed surgically. The procedure for doing so was simply more complicated, and replacement was as well.

Yes, the IMPLANT was removable, but the magnet was not. In the past you would have to explant to get an MRI, now you open the skin, remove the magnet, and close. The implant remains completely usable.

 

[Lissa]

How can you use the implant if the magnet is removed?

 

[jillio]

Yes, the IMPLANT was removable, but the magnet was not. In the past you would have to explant to get an MRI, now you open the skin, remove the magnet, and close. The implant remains completely usable.

And in an explant, the magnet was removed. So it has always been possible to remove it. It just wasn't done unless the patient had a life threatening illness that required MRI for diagnosis.

 

[faire_jour]

This is the 90k. See how the magnet is housed in a seperate part. They just pop the magnet out.

This is the Clarion. The magnet is not seperate.

Totally different designs.

 

[Hear Again]

How can you use the implant if the magnet is removed?

You can't.

 

[Lissa]

Yes, the IMPLANT was removable, but the magnet was not. In the past you would have to explant to get an MRI, now you open the skin, remove the magnet, and close. The implant remains completely usable.

But looking at Faire jour's comment, it appears you can

 

[Hear Again]

But looking at Faire jour's comment, it appears you can

No you can't because there isn't anything for the external magnet to hold onto. (i.e. internal magnet/CI) If you pull your external magnet away from the internal magnet, there is no way sound can be processed.

 

[faire_jour]

How can you use the implant if the magnet is removed?

There are other ways to attach the headpiece. It is usually temporary, so they use stickers called "retainer discs".

This is the Cochlear.

Search Results : Cochlear, Innovator of the Nucleus Freedom cochlear hearing implant system

 

[Lissa]

That's what I thought

 

[faire_jour]

That's what I thought

You are wrong. Look at my link.

 

[Hear Again]

But looking at Faire jour's comment, it appears you can

That's after the internal magnet has been replaced.

 

[Lissa]

But you need the internal bit to actually work the outside bit

 

[Hear Again]

There are other ways to attach the headpiece. It is usually temporary, so they use stickers called "retainer discs".

These are for people who are allergic to the internal magnet.

 

[faire_jour]

That's after the internal magnet has been replaced.

No, it isn't.

Text from Cochlear's site:

Retainer Disc:

To hold coil magnet for those without an internal magnet in the implant. The disc has adhesive on one side and a magnet inbedded in the surface for connection to the coil magnet.

 

[faire_jour]

These are for people who are allergic to the internet magnet.

Therefore, the implant CAN work without an internal magnet.

 

[Hear Again]

But you need the internal bit to actually work the outside bit

That's what I said.

 

[faire_jour]

But you need the internal bit to actually work the outside bit

The IMPLANT is still inside, just the magnet is removed. The magnet is only there to hold the headpiece on. It can be held on in other waays if the magnet needs removed.