World’s First Fully Implanted Cochlear Implant Reaches Patients
Summary
IEEE Spectrum reports Med-El’s TICI Unico, the world’s first fully implanted cochlear implant. The device places microphone, processor, rechargeable battery, and receiver beneath the skin, enabling round-the-clock hearing without visible external hardware; initial European regulatory approvals have led to first implantations, with clinical results showing hearing performance comparable to conventional implants and extended use without external components.