Cochlear Implants

Maryland Personal Injury Lawyer Outlines Risks

Sometimes referred to as bionic ears, cochlear implants are electronic devices that provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. The devices have been implanted in hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide, allowing them to hear and understand speech and environmental sounds that they would otherwise be unable to hear. Despite the amazing capabilities of these devices, they are not without their inherent risks. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that cochlear implant recipients may be at higher risk for meningitis.

One American study of more than 4,000 children who received cochlear implants found that recipient children had a risk of contracting pneumococcal meningitis more than 30 times greater than those without the implants. Additionally, a UK study found the same risks of meningitis to be true for adult implant recipients. In light of this evidence, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) and the FDA both recommended that implant recipients be vaccinated against meningitis prior to receiving cochlear implants.

In addition to increased risks of meningitis, cochlear implants were also found to have high rates of failure. One of the leading manufacturers of cochlear implants, Advanced Bionics, was targeted and sued by the FDA for their failures to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice by allowing defective devices to be implanted in thousands of children and adults. Advanced Bionics also issued a voluntary recall of their HiRes90k cochlear implant devices.

Injured by a cochlear implant?

If you, a loved one, or your child have suffered any adverse effects, including device failure, after receiving a cochlear implant, our team of talented Maryland personal injury attorneys are here to provide you with the support and legal advocacy you need to recover your damages. You can be confident that Peter Angelos Law can deliver the results you deserve. Schedule a free consultation to personally discuss your case with a member of our legal team, or contact our firm today.