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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 22, 2004

SCHUMER SECURES $200,000 FOR NYU COCHLEAR IMPLANT CENTER

Funding included in the FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill

Federal Funding would be used for the research of Cochlear Implants that help the deaf and hard of hearing

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that Congress will pass the FY2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill which included $200,000 for New York University for research into cochlear implants that can help the deaf to hear and process speech. The funding was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations portion of the bill. The bill now heads to the President for his signature.

“Cochlear Implants are helping New Yorkers who thought they’d never have the chance to hear again. Its exciting technology and I’m glad to support the latest research done at the Cochlear Implant Center,” Schumer said. “This funding is going to make a big difference, especially for children who have problems hearing. The implants will open a whole new world for these children and I’m glad to be a part of that magic.”

The funds will be used to advance the clinical and research capabilities of the NYU Cochlear Implant Center. The immediate goals of the clinical portion will be to provide increased and enhanced services to pediatric cochlear recipients in order to maximize performance with a cochlear implant. Research funds will be used to hire personnel who will advance the design and function of cochlear implants. The NYU Cochlear Implant Center was founded in 1984 to bring an exciting new treatment technology to people with significant hearing loss. A revolutionary advance, the multi-channel cochlear implant remains the only effective therapy for people with severe-to-profound hearing impairment.

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