First-ever Auditory Stem Implant Helps 3-Year Old Boy Hear for the First Time

A 3-year old deaf child, Grayson Clamp, received the first-ever auditory stem implant which helped him hear his dad’s voice, resulting in a video that has gone viral.

In speaking of the first time the implant was turned on, his father, Len Grayson said, “I’ve never seen a look like that today. I mean, he looked deep into my eyes. He was hearing my voice for the first time. It was phenomenal. He likes sound. He enjoys the stimulus, the input. He’s curious and he definitely enjoys it.”

With earlier studies showing that cochlear implants when received as children prove to be effective, Grayson faced a challenge in the sense that he did not have cochlear nerves to begin with.

This resulted in the ineffectiveness of a cochlear implant in the case of Grayson when he was but 18 months old but also paved the way for this device which allows the brain to process sound by bypassing the ears altogether.

The surgery, lasting almost eight hours, was performed at one of the University of Carolina Hospitals, and after which, he spent about one month recuperating in the hospital.

Two surgeons were responsible for this experimental procedure being carried successfully namely Craig Buchman and Matthew Ewend. This procedure is now being looked at closely to help other children with hearing problems.

There’s no doubt that with the success of this procedure that these doctors are on the verge of changing the lives of those who can’t hear for the better.