A device to cool the inner ear during cochlear implant surgery to help preserve hearing.

Device to Deliver Intra-Operative Therapeutic Hypothermia for Hearing Preservation in Cochlear Implantation

NIH-funded research Restorear Devices, LLC · NIH-11052557

This study is testing a new device that cools the inner ear during cochlear implant surgery to help protect your hearing, and it's designed for people getting cochlear implants who want to keep as much of their natural hearing as possible.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRestorear Devices, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bozeman, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11052557 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a device that delivers controlled therapeutic hypothermia directly to the inner ear during cochlear implant surgeries. By cooling the inner ear, the device aims to protect sensitive hair cells and neural structures, potentially preserving residual hearing. The safety and effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through comparisons of hearing outcomes before and after surgery, as well as intra-operative measurements. The goal is to create a non-drug therapy that can be easily integrated into existing surgical procedures without altering the surgical approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are scheduled to undergo cochlear implant surgery and have some residual hearing.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require cochlear implants or those with complete hearing loss may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing preservation for patients undergoing cochlear implantation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies have shown promising results in preserving hearing through localized hypothermia, indicating potential for success in this clinical application.

Where this research is happening

Bozeman, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.