Facts You Should Know About the Cochlear Implant Lawsuit
https://www.medlegal360.com/cochlear-implant-lawsuit/
Cochlear implants have brought about life changing benefits, for individuals with hearing loss although they are not without risks. In this discussion we have explored the complications, legal considerations and case studies related to the cochlear implants produced by Advanced Bionics. It underscores the importance of seeking support in situations.
Cochlear implants are devices that aid people with hearing loss in restoring their ability to hear and communicate effectively. Various companies like Cochlear Corporation, Advanced Bionics Corporation and Med El Corporation manufacture these implants with Cochlear Ltd. Being a leader in this domain.
Infants young as 10 to 12 months old can receive cochlear implants after evaluations starting around 3 to 4 months of age. Early implantation offers opportunities for children to develop language skills through sound.
While cochlear implants have demonstrated their effectiveness they also carry side effects. These may include tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) dizziness or vertigo, infections, weakness in nerves changes, in taste perception and device malfunctions. Among these side effects tinnitus is reported frequently than others.
Significant complications related to cochlear implants include facial nerve stimulation, poor auditory nerve response in some individuals, electrode extrusion or migration, and infections. These complications can lead to difficulties in speech recognition or the need for reimplantation.
There is a case involving Advanced Bionics, the second-largest producer of cochlear implants. The HiRes 90K implant, a model of their product, faced issues related to excessive moisture, which resulted in device failures. Despite these issues, the company continued to sell these implants, leading to significant problems for some patients.
There have been several cochlear implant lawsuits filed against Advanced Bionics related to these defective implants. In 2008, the company settled with the FDA for $1.1 million, and individual cases like Breanna’s resulted in substantial fines for the company. Additionally, there have been personal injury claims related to shocks from the implants.
A recent lawsuit was filed by the U.S. government against Advanced Bionics. A whistleblower alleged that the company misled government health programs and misrepresented emissions standards to the FDA. This lawsuit resulted in a settlement of over $12 million.
In 2020, Advanced Bionics initiated a recall for its HiRes Ultra and Ultra 3D cochlear implants due to performance issues caused by body fluid entering the electrode. Although the company claimed that less than 0.5% of recipients needed implant removal, research showed a much higher failure rate.
Finally, the blog emphasizes the importance of legal assistance for attorneys in their cases of defective cochlear implants. Companies like LezDo TechMed can help by reviewing medical records and building strong cases for individuals who have suffered due to these implants.
