What Researchers Did
Researchers subjected 26 commercially available cochlear implants (Clarion 1.2, MED-EL Combi-40+, Nucleus CI22M, and Nucleus CI24M) to simulated hyperbaric conditions mimicking scuba diving and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to assess their integrity.
What They Found
All 26 cochlear implant devices successfully completed the simulated dive protocols. While one Nucleus CI24M implant showed a pre-dive and final product fault at electrode lead 18, all 26 devices ultimately passed final electrical and quality control testing, and the six Clarion units also passed repeat helium leak testing.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with cochlear implants may generally be able to participate in activities involving moderate pressure changes, such as recreational diving or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, without compromising their device's integrity. However, individual device checks and consultation with a healthcare provider are still advisable before engaging in such activities.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is its in vitro design, which may not fully replicate the complex physiological conditions and long-term effects on devices implanted in humans.