Adult and Child Become First in the D.C. Region to Receive "Smart" Cochlear Implant to Restore Hearing at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Surgeons at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital have made history as the first in the D.C. region to implant the world's first and only smart cochlear implant system in both an adult and a child to restore their hearing.

Dr. Michael Feuerstein, a 75-year-old psychiatrist from Gaithersburg, Md., and a 22-month-old girl from Hyattsville, Md., received their state-of-the-art implants a week apart in September.

Their new implants, activated a few weeks after surgery, feature innovative design with future-ready technology. It includes the world's smallest sound processor with all-day battery life and a self-monitoring system that ensures optimal performance tailored to each patient's hearing needs.

Dr. Feuerstein was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2003. The radiation he received for his tumor caused him to lose hearing in his right ear. The 22-month-old girl developed profound sensorineural hearing loss that progressed after birth. 

The groundbreaking surgeries were performed by two MedStar Georgetown surgeons Michael Hoa, MD, medical director of the Cochlear Implant program, and Jeffrey Kim, MD, director of Neurotology and Otology.

"This new device allows a patient's unique hearing settings to be stored on the actual implant in addition to the sound processor the patient wears," said Dr. Hoa. "That means if the processor is lost or damaged, the patient can still stay connected to sound."

Dr. Kim said the toddler's hearing and speech will improve in time. "With the new cochlear implantation and proper auditory verbal therapy, the toddler will  be able to develop normal or near-normal speech and communicate with her family and friends."

MedStar Georgetown Audiologist Melissa Blumgart, AuD, oversaw Dr. Feuerstein's cochlear implant activation appointment. "It is important for older adults to prioritize their hearing health. Untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia and poor mental health."

In July 2025, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved what is currently the only smart cochlear implant system.

Adult Patient Surgery B-Roll & Soundbites from Dr. Michael Hoa
Pediatric Patient Surgery B-Roll & Soundbites from Dr. Jeffrey Kim
Adult Patient Activation Appointment Soundbites from Dr. Melissa Blumgart

SOURCE MedStar Health