Brain implant offers sound hope for deaf children born without ears
NCT ID NCT02102256
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a special hearing device called an auditory brainstem implant in 10 children aged 2 to 5 who are profoundly deaf due to missing or damaged inner ear parts. Unlike a cochlear implant, this device is placed directly on the brainstem during surgery. The main goal was to see if the surgery is safe and if the implant can help children detect sounds. The children were followed for one year for safety and up to three years to check for any hearing benefit.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Auditory brainstem implant (Nucleus 24 device)
What this could lead to
If this implant proves safe and helpful, it could give children born without inner ear structures some access to sound, potentially aiding communication.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 10 children. The implant requires brain surgery and may not provide clear hearing. Long-term benefits are uncertain.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States
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Keck School of Medicine of USC
Los Angeles, California, 90008, United States