Colorado's first robotic-assisted cochlear implant surgery at HCA HealthONE Swedish
HCA HealthONE Swedish is proud to offer a groundbreaking advancement for patients with severe hearing loss. The hospital is tThe procedure is used with the goal of restoring hearing while preserving the delicate structures of the inner ear.
Cochlear implants are life-changing devices for some people who no longer benefit from traditional hearing aids. Dr. David Kelsall, an otolaryngologist with HCA HealthONE, who has over 35 years of experience in cochlear implantation, explained, “These implants are designed for people, children and adults, with severe to profound hearing loss. But we’ve also been able to expand their use and assist more patients who have residual hearing than we could previously.”
Despite the life-changing potential of cochlear implants, Dr. Kelsall said only about 5% of eligible patients pursue the surgery. Many people are unaware of the option, or hesitant due to fears about the surgical procedure. That’s where the new robotic technology comes in.
The inner ear is one of the most delicate structures in the human body. Inserting the implant’s flexible electrodes requires extreme care to avoid damaging the cochlea and to preserve any remaining natural hearing. The new robot-assisted system offers a level of precision that surpasses even the steadiest human hand. “The idea with the robotic insertion is that it can be slower and more delicate than I can be with my hands,” Dr. Kelsall said. “There’s no question that the robot is better at that.” Still, the experienced hands operating the device make all the difference.
Dr. Kelsall and his team at HCA HealthONE Swedish have performed more than 3,000 cochlear implant procedures and are participating in 17 ongoing research projects. Their expertise, combined with the support of the greater HCA HealthONE network of care, has made HCA HealthONE Swedish a regional leader in the field. “We’ve worked with the same team here for 32 years. For decades, we’ve been helping advance research into hearing restoration, and we’re always looking for new ways to do this better,” Dr. Kelsall said.
The robot-assisted implant procedure is done on an outpatient basis, typically lasting about 40 minutes and is FDA approved for patients 12 and older. Each person’s recovery is unique, but some implants can be activated the day after surgery. Dr. Kelsall and his team support patients through a year-long follow-up process to fine-tune their hearing experience.
Dr. Kelsall has seen cochlear implants change many people’s lives, one sound at a time. Thinking back on his thousands of patients, he reflected on the profound impact the implants can have. He’s seen patients return to work, learn a new language, or hear their loved ones for the first time in years. “We activated the implants of a child yesterday morning,” he said. “The child had never heard before and the joy in that moment will never get old for me. It’s so rewarding to be able to share that gift with a child and their parents.”
Beyond restoring hearing, cochlear implants may also play a role in reducing the risk of dementia in older adults with untreated hearing loss — a growing area of research that underscores the importance of early intervention.
With a network of 14 partner clinics, Dr. Kelsall and his surgical team at HCA HealthONE Swedish give people from across the Rocky Mountain Region access to world-class surgical care. His care team partners with local audiologists to remain involved in their patients’ care, with the goal of reducing unnecessary travel while providing access to the best outcomes.
If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, ask your primary care provider or audiologist about cochlear implants, or contact HCA HealthONE Swedish to learn more about robotic-assisted cochlear implant surgery. Leading edge technology for cochlear implantation is now available in the Denver metro area.
Otolaryngologists in Denver
We help you swallow, breathe, speak, and hear better when you need it. The Denver-area ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors at HCA HealthONE hospitals work alongside surgeons, audiologists and speech-language pathologists when designing your personalized care plan. As a team, they make sure you have the most comprehensive care possible. Learn more here.