In August of 2004, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Otolaryngology had yet another first. 

Karson Wetzel of Ankeny, Iowa, was our first pediatric patient to receive two cochlear implants simultaneously. Karson was born with normal hearing but contracted bacterial meningitis at 14 months of age, causing him to lose his hearing. Meningitis often causes bony growth in the cochlea, preventing future cochlear implantation.  Therefore, a decision was made to implant both of Karson’s ears, giving him the best opportunity to hear again.

Karson’s parents reported,“Since the initial stimulation of Karson’s cochlear implants, we feel that we have our son back.  After the meningitis and the loss of hearing, Karson’s personality changed and he seemed to be disconnected from the world. It has been so rewarding to watch him re-enter the hearing world and recognize the sound of the phone and hear his sister laugh.”

Marlan Hansen, MD, who performed the surgery said, “Fortunately, Karson was able to recover from his meningitis and receive the implants before significant bony growth had occurred. We are optimistic that he will do very well with his implants.”

So, if you think you’re seeing double, you are! The Cochlear Implant Team is excited to watch Karson progress with his cochlear implants and give him back the world of sound.