▲Asan Medical Center celebrated the achievement of 2,000 cochlear implants on September 8. The participants are taking a commemorative photo.

Asan Medical Center (AMC) team, led by Professors Jong Woo Chung, Hong Ju Park, Joong Ho Ahn, and Woo Seok Kang of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, recently achieved 2,000 cases of cochlear implants performed on patients with severe hearing loss.

A cochlear implant is a method of hearing rehabilitation where electrodes are inserted into the cochlea to stimulate the auditory nerve, assisting patients in listening to sounds. AMC began performing cochlear implants in April 1999, with an average annual procedure count ranging from 80 to 100 cases today. Additionally, professional post-operative assistance is provided by nurses dedicated to cochlear implants, who regularly conduct speech evaluations, treatments, and mapping (setting the amount of electricity converted according to the condition of the auditory nerve). This support helps patients maintain their hearing and improve their quality of life.

On September 8, a ceremony was held to celebrate the achievement of 2,000 cochlear implant cases. More than 200 patients, their guardians, and medical staff attended the ceremony. Professor Joong Ho Ahn presented the history of cochlear implants at Asan Medical Center, and Professor Hong Ju Park presented research findings related to cochlear implants.