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3 clusters · 10 sources · 29 days · First seen · Last updated

Advancements in Italian cochlear implant technology

Overview

Medical facilities in Italy have achieved new milestones in cochlear implant technology through advanced surgical techniques and hardware integration.

In September 2026, Sant’Anna di Cona Hospital conducted its first three robot-assisted cochlear implant surgeries. Led by Otorhinolaryngology Unit Director Stefano Pelucchi and surgeon Michela Borin, the team operated on two adults and one adolescent. The robotic approach was utilized to increase precision during electrode insertion, aiming to protect delicate anatomical structures and preserve residual hearing.

By mid-October 2026, hospitals in Siena and Piacenza performed Italy’s first totally invisible cochlear implant procedures. This technology integrates the microphone, battery, and other components entirely under the skin, removing the requirement for external wearable devices. The system works by detecting sounds through the skin and converting them into electrical signals to stimulate the cochlea.

These procedures were conducted as part of a pilot program promoted by the Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany regions. In Piacenza, the surgery was led by an otolaryngology team directed by Domenico Cuda, while in Siena, the team was led by Professor Marco Mandalà. Professor Mandalà noted that the innovation provides advantages in discretion and practicality, allowing for continuous listening 24 hours a day, including during sleep and aquatic activities. While the technology has received safety certification, it is not yet included in the standard reimbursement list of the Italian National Health Service.

Entities

Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria Senese · Toscana · Regione Toscana · Marco Mandalà · Sant’Anna di Cona Hospital

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Italy performs first fully implantable cochlear implants

    The first fully implantable, invisible cochlear implants have been successfully performed in Piacenza and Siena, Italy, offering continuous sound access without external components.

  2. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Siena and Piacenza hospitals perform Italy's first invisible cochlear implants

    Italian hospitals in Siena and Piacenza have performed the country's first invisible cochlear implant surgeries, integrating all components under the skin to treat severe deafness without external devices.

  3. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Sant’Anna di Cona Hospital performs first robot-assisted cochlear implants

    Sant’Anna di Cona Hospital has completed three pioneering robot-assisted cochlear implant surgeries to better preserve hearing and delicate inner ear structures in patients with severe hearing loss.

Sources

biomedicalcue.it · ferraratoday.it · gonews.it · marsalalive.it · netcost-security.fr · nursetimes.org · quotidianobenessere.it · tgregione.it · traniviva.it · umbria24.it

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history