Research project: Cochlear implant device failures

Although cochlear implants are exceptionally reliable, failures do occur. Helen is interested in minimising the trauma for the patient when they experience a failing device, by improving test methods and monitoring. She collaborated with Cochlear to work on a new method of testing cochlear implants, and completed a project looking at patients experiencing a particular type of device failure.

Helen also studied three patients who had an unusual collection of air over their implant package after hard nose blowing. This caused a total loss of sound, which thankfully was only temporary. All resolved completely within a few days.