Implants OK with Organ Transplants

Cochlear implants are safe for people who've had organ transplants, according to a new stduy. The drugs they are required to take for the organ transplant to prevent the immune system from attacking the organ can also leave these patients vulnerable to inner ear infection and hearing loss. But a new study out of Georgia Health Sciences University finds if the patient waits at least six months after the organ transplant and also takes the right antibiotic before and after the cochlear implant procedure, cochlear implant surgery can be safely performed. Details of the study are in the American Journal of Otolaryngology.