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ABC Online

Saturday, July  27, 2002. Posted: 07:21:33 (AEDT)

Aust bionic ears not linked to meningitis: Cochlear

Australian recipients of bionic ears have been assured their implants are safe.

The American health safety authority has advised of a possible association between cochlear ear implants and meningitis.

America's Food and Drug Administration released the notification amid findings that 25 people with cochlear ear implants had developed meningitis.

Nine have died.

Bionic Ear Institute director Professor Graeme Clark says the device in question is not the same as the one used in Australia.

"The nucleus Australian device is safe and does not increase the incident of meningitis," Professor Clark said.

Chairman of implant manufacturer Cochlear Ltd Professor David Pennington, says there have been no deaths associated with the implants in Australia or New Zealand.

"Our own company has been very concerned to safeguard against this complication right from the outset," he said.

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