The world's top maker of bionic ear implants said today that the risk
of meningitis in its implant patients was no higher than in the general
population.
Sydney based Cochlear Ltd made the statement after its shares plunged
on the stock market after a warning from the US Food and Drug
Administration that inner-ear implants may put patients at greater risk
of contracting meningitis.
Cochlear is a manufacturer of cochlear implants for the hearing
impaired, through its Nucleus product range.
The Nucleus system is sold in more than 60 countries with research
and development facilities in Australia and Belgium and offices in the
United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Bangkok,
China and Hong Kong.
"The overall incidence of meningitis in its worldwide Nucleus
recipient community is similar to the incidence of meningitis in the
general population," the company said.
Cochlear said it had contacted leading medical experts to conduct an
independent review of all reported cases of meningitis in Cochlear's
nearly 40,000 Nucleus implant recipients.
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LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
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YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
HEALTH WATCH
