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Manero A, Rivera V, Fu Q, Schwartzman JD, Prock-Gibbs H, Shah N, Gandhi D, White E, Crawford KE, Coathup MJ. Emerging Medical Technologies and Their Use in Bionic Repair and Human Augmentation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:695. [PMID: 39061777 PMCID: PMC11274085 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As both the proportion of older people and the length of life increases globally, a rise in age-related degenerative diseases, disability, and prolonged dependency is projected. However, more sophisticated biomedical materials, as well as an improved understanding of human disease, is forecast to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of conditions ranging from osteoarthritis to Alzheimer's disease as well as impact disease prevention. Another, albeit quieter, revolution is also taking place within society: human augmentation. In this context, humans seek to improve themselves, metamorphosing through self-discipline or more recently, through use of emerging medical technologies, with the goal of transcending aging and mortality. In this review, and in the pursuit of improved medical care following aging, disease, disability, or injury, we first highlight cutting-edge and emerging materials-based neuroprosthetic technologies designed to restore limb or organ function. We highlight the potential for these technologies to be utilized to augment human performance beyond the range of natural performance. We discuss and explore the growing social movement of human augmentation and the idea that it is possible and desirable to use emerging technologies to push the boundaries of what it means to be a healthy human into the realm of superhuman performance and intelligence. This potential future capability is contrasted with limitations in the right-to-repair legislation, which may create challenges for patients. Now is the time for continued discussion of the ethical strategies for research, implementation, and long-term device sustainability or repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Manero
- Limbitless Solutions, University of Central Florida, 12703 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA (V.R.)
- Biionix Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (Q.F.); (K.E.C.)
| | - Viviana Rivera
- Limbitless Solutions, University of Central Florida, 12703 Research Parkway, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32826, USA (V.R.)
| | - Qiushi Fu
- Biionix Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (Q.F.); (K.E.C.)
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Schwartzman
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
| | - Hannah Prock-Gibbs
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
| | - Neel Shah
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
| | - Deep Gandhi
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
| | - Evan White
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
| | - Kaitlyn E. Crawford
- Biionix Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (Q.F.); (K.E.C.)
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Melanie J. Coathup
- Biionix Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (Q.F.); (K.E.C.)
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (J.D.S.); (H.P.-G.); (N.S.); (D.G.); (E.W.)
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Döbler NA, Carbon CC. Adapting Ourselves, Instead of the Environment: An Inquiry into Human Enhancement for Function and Beyond. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2024; 58:589-637. [PMID: 37597122 PMCID: PMC11052783 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-023-09797-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Technology enables humans not only to adapt their environment to their needs but also to modify themselves. Means of Human Enhancement - embodied technologies to improve the human body's capabilities or to create a new one - are the designated means of adapting ourselves instead of the environment. The debate about these technologies is typically fought on ethical soil. However, alarmist, utopian, and science fiction scenarios distract from the fact that Human Enhancement is a historical and pervasive phenomenon incorporated into many everyday practices. In the vein of disentangling conceptual difficulties, we claim that means of Human Enhancement are either physiologically or psychologically embodied, rendering the merging with the human user their most defining aspect. To fulfill its purpose, an enhancement must pass the test-in-the-world, i.e., assisting with effective engagement with a dynamic world. Even if failing in this regard: Human Enhancement is the fundamental and semi-targeted process of changing the users relationship with the world through the physical or psychological embodiment of a hitherto external object and/or change of one's body. This can potentially change the notion of being human. Drawing on a rich body of theoretical and empirical literature, we aim to provide a nuanced analysis of the transformative nature of this phenomenon in close proximity to human practice. Stakeholders are invited to apply the theory presented here to interrogate their perspective on technology in general and Human Enhancement in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Alexander Döbler
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany.
- Research group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Æsthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Germany.
- Bamberg Graduate School of Affective and Cognitive Sciences (BaGrACS), Bamberg, Germany.
| | - Claus-Christian Carbon
- Department for General Psychology and Methodology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Research group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Æsthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Germany
- Bamberg Graduate School of Affective and Cognitive Sciences (BaGrACS), Bamberg, Germany
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Schulz S, Harzheim L, Hübner C, Lorke M, Jünger S, Woopen C. Patient-centered empirical research on ethically relevant psychosocial and cultural aspects of cochlear, glaucoma and cardiovascular implants - a scoping review. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:68. [PMID: 37641094 PMCID: PMC10464431 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00945-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significance of medical implants goes beyond technical functioning and reaches into everyday life, with consequences for individuals as well as society. Ethical aspects associated with the everyday use of implants are relevant for individuals' lifeworlds and need to be considered in implant care and in the course of technical developments. METHODS This scoping review aimed to provide a synthesis of the existing evidence regarding ethically relevant psychosocial and cultural aspects in cochlear, glaucoma and cardiovascular implants in patient-centered empirical research. Systematic literature searches were conducted in EBSCOhost, Philpapers, PsycNET, Pubmed, Web of Science and BELIT databases. Eligible studies were articles in German or English language published since 2000 dealing with ethically relevant aspects of cochlear, glaucoma and passive cardiovascular implants based on empirical findings from the perspective of (prospective) implant-wearers and their significant others. Following a descriptive-analytical approach, a data extraction form was developed and relevant data were extracted accordingly. We combined a basic numerical analysis of study characteristics with a thematically organized narrative synthesis of the data. RESULTS Sixty-nine studies were included in the present analysis. Fifty were in the field of cochlear implants, sixteen in the field of passive cardiovascular implants and three in the field of glaucoma implants. Implant-related aspects were mainly found in connection with autonomy, freedom, identity, participation and justice, whereas little to no data was found with regards to ethical principles of privacy, safety or sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Empirical research on ethical aspects of implant use in everyday life is highly relevant, but marked by ambiguity and unclarity in the operationalization of ethical terms and contextualization. A transparent orientation framework for the exploration and acknowledgment of ethical aspects in "lived experiences" may contribute to the improvement of individual care, healthcare programs and research quality in this area. Ethics-sensitive care requires creating awareness for cultural and identity-related issues, promoting health literacy to strengthen patient autonomy as well as adjusting healthcare programs accordingly. More consideration needs to be given to sustainability issues in implant development and care according to an approach of ethics-by-design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schulz
- Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Universitätsstraße 91, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Laura Harzheim
- Cologne Center for Ethics, Rights, Economics, and Social Sciences of Health (CERES), University of Cologne and University Hospital of Cologne, Universitätsstraße 91, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Constanze Hübner
- Center for Life Ethics, University of Bonn, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mariya Lorke
- Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI), 33619, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Saskia Jünger
- Department of Community Health, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 6-8, 44801, Bochum, Germany
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van Velthoven EAM, van Stuijvenberg OC, Haselager DRE, Broekman M, Chen X, Roelfsema P, Bredenoord AL, Jongsma KR. Ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses-a systematic review. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35475424 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac65b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The aim of this review was to systematically identify the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses.Approach. A systematic search was performed in both PubMed and Embase using a search string that combined synonyms for visual neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), cochlear implants (CIs), and ethics. We chose to include literature on BCIs and CIs, because of their ethically relavant similarities and functional parallels with visual neuroprostheses.Main results. We included 84 articles in total. Six focused specifically on visual prostheses. The other articles focused more broadly on neurotechnologies, on BCIs or CIs. We identified 169 ethical implications that have been categorized under seven main themes: (a) benefits for health and well-being; (b) harm and risk; (c) autonomy; (d) societal effects; (e) clinical research; (f) regulation and governance; and (g) involvement of experts, patients and the public.Significance. The development and clinical use of visual neuroprostheses is accompanied by ethical issues that should be considered early in the technological development process. Though there is ample literature on the ethical implications of other types of neuroprostheses, such as motor neuroprostheses and CIs, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses. Our findings can serve as a starting point for further research and normative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A M van Velthoven
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - O C van Stuijvenberg
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - D R E Haselager
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - M Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - X Chen
- Department of Vision & Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Roelfsema
- Department of Vision & Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A L Bredenoord
- Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K R Jongsma
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
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Tanioka R, Betriana F, Locsin RC. Treatise on the influence of theism, transhumanism, and posthumanism on nursing and rehabilitation healthcare practice. Nurs Philos 2021; 22:e12350. [PMID: 33735494 DOI: 10.1111/nup.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Reservations concerning the ontologies of theism, transhumanism and posthumanism compel an explicatory discourse on their influences on Nursing and rehabilitation healthcare. Key journals in Nursing and health sciences have recently devoted themed issues on intelligent machine technologies such as humanoid healthcare robots and other highly technological healthcare devices and practice initiatives. While the technological advance witnessed has been a cause for celebration, questions still remain that are focused on the epistemological concerns. The purpose of this article is to discuss theistic ontologies such as the Judeo-Christian, Shinto-Buddhist and Islamic religious belief systems on transhumanism and posthumanism in the assimilation of symbiotic technological beings in Nursing and rehabilitation healthcare practice. In view of the approaching technological singularity dominating arguments regarding the future of human beings, a treatise on Nursing and rehabilitation health care is positioned well within the realms of human care. Theism, transhumanism and posthumanism are directing discussions regarding human beings and healthcare processes. It is imperative that the beneficial effects of these discussions be acknowledged within the highly technological world of Nursing and rehabilitative healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Tanioka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Feni Betriana
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Rozzano C Locsin
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, USA.,Visiting Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Döbler NA, Carbon CC. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2: a human enhancement story. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 6:27. [PMID: 34901462 PMCID: PMC8642743 DOI: 10.1186/s41231-021-00104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is an essential strategy for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides its significance as a public health measure, vaccination is a sophisticated example of modern biotechnology. Since vaccination gives the human body an ability that it does not naturally possess, the question arises as to its classification as Human Enhancement. MAIN BODY Exemplified on a selection of different definitions, we conclude that vaccinations may indeed be classified and treated as a form of Human Enhancement. This raises some ethical issues that are notorious in the broad field of Human Enhancement. A study with N = 67 participants revealed that vaccinations are perceived neither as a clear nor poor example of Human Enhancement. CONCLUSION We argue that qualifying vaccination technology as Human Enhancement does not provide convincing arguments to reject vaccination. By examining the Human Enhancement debate and the similarities to the issue of vaccination shown here, policymakers can learn valuable lessons regarding mass vaccination programs' current and future handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Alexander Döbler
- Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Research Group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Aesthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Germany
- Bamberg Graduate School of Affective and Cognitive Sciences (BaGrACS), University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
| | - Claus-Christian Carbon
- Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
- Research Group EPÆG (Ergonomics, Psychological Aesthetics, Gestalt), Bamberg, Germany
- Bamberg Graduate School of Affective and Cognitive Sciences (BaGrACS), University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
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Gilbert F, Cook M, O’Brien T, Illes J. Embodiment and Estrangement: Results from a First-in-Human "Intelligent BCI" Trial. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2019; 25:83-96. [PMID: 29129011 PMCID: PMC6418065 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-0001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
While new generations of implantable brain computer interface (BCI) devices are being developed, evidence in the literature about their impact on the patient experience is lagging. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by analysing data from the first-in-human clinical trial to study patients with implanted BCI advisory devices. We explored perceptions of self-change across six patients who volunteered to be implanted with artificially intelligent BCI devices. We used qualitative methodological tools grounded in phenomenology to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results show that, on the one hand, BCIs can positively increase a sense of the self and control; on the other hand, they can induce radical distress, feelings of loss of control, and a rupture of patient identity. We conclude by offering suggestions for the proactive creation of preparedness protocols specific to intelligent-predictive and advisory-BCI technologies essential to prevent potential iatrogenic harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gilbert
- Centre for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
- Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - M. Cook
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - J. Illes
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
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Hofmann B. Limits to human enhancement: nature, disease, therapy or betterment? BMC Med Ethics 2017; 18:56. [PMID: 29017486 PMCID: PMC5635529 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-017-0215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New technologies facilitate the enhancement of a wide range of human dispositions, capacities, or abilities. While it is argued that we need to set limits to human enhancement, it is unclear where we should find resources to set such limits. DISCUSSION Traditional routes for setting limits, such as referring to nature, the therapy-enhancement distinction, and the health-disease distinction, turn out to have some shortcomings. However, upon closer scrutiny the concept of enhancement is based on vague conceptions of what is to be enhanced. Explaining why it is better to become older, stronger, and more intelligent presupposes a clear conception of goodness, which is seldom provided. In particular, the qualitative better is frequently confused with the quantitative more. We may therefore not need "external" measures for setting its limits - they are available in the concept of enhancement itself. While there may be shortcomings in traditional sources of limit setting to human enhancement, such as nature, therapy, and disease, such approaches may not be necessary. The specification-of-betterment problem inherent in the conception of human enhancement itself provides means to restrict its unwarranted proliferation. We only need to demand clear, sustainable, obtainable goals for enhancement that are based on evidence, and not on lofty speculations, hypes, analogies, or weak associations. Human enhancements that specify what will become better, and provide adequate evidence, are good and should be pursued. Others should not be accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik, Norway.
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1130, N-0318, Oslo, Norway.
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Arunagiri S, Mathew M. Exploring Technology Evolution Using Patent Classification: A Case of Cochlear Implant Technology Patents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219877017400028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding technology evolution through periodic landscaping is an important stage of strategic planning in R&D management. In fields like that of healthcare, where initial R&D investment is huge and good medical products serve patients better, activities of periodic landscaping become crucial for planning. Approximately 5% of the world’s population has hearing disabilities. Current hearing aid products meet less than 10% of the global needs. Patent data and classifications on cochlear implants from 1977–2010 show the technology evolution in the area of such an implant. We attempt to highlight emergence and disappearance of patent classes over a period of time indicating changes in growth of cochlear implant technologies. Using network analysis technique we explore and capture the technology evolution in patent classes by showing what emerged or disappeared over time. Dominant classes are identified. The sporadic influence of university research in cochlear implants is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srigowtham Arunagiri
- Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, Karnataka, India
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Orzan E, Muzzi E, Marchi R, Falzone C, Battelino S, Ciciriello E. Achieving early functional auditory access in paediatric cochlear implantation. ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA 2016; 36:45-50. [PMID: 27054390 PMCID: PMC4825059 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cochlear implantation (CI) is a viable option for providing access to auditory stimulation in severe-to-profound hearing loss/impairment of cochlear origin. It has been demonstrated that CI is safe and effective for deaf children. Younger age at activation after CI is linked with better outcomes. It is important to study variables and issues that can interfere with an early fitting and access to sound after CI. They range from patient characteristics, family compliance and support, to technical, medical or organisational problems. A SWOT analysis and a subsequent TOWS matrix was conducted to discuss issues and propose recommendations to be considered when operating an early switch on of the CI.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Orzan
- Audiology and Otolaryngology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - E Muzzi
- Audiology and Otolaryngology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - R Marchi
- Audiology and Otolaryngology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - C Falzone
- Audiology and Otolaryngology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - S Battelino
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Slovenia;,University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Slovenia
| | - E Ciciriello
- Audiology and Otolaryngology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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