China Approves First Brainstem Implant for Young Deaf Children

China has granted approval to the country's first brainstem implant device for deafness, according to Sixth Tone. The implant is designed for young deaf children whose inner ear malformations prevent them from using conventional cochlear implants. The approval marks the first such device authorized in the nation. The device targets a pediatric population that cannot benefit from standard hearing technology because of anatomical abnormalities in the inner ear. The report did not specify a date for the approval or name the manufacturer. The development was reported by Sixth Tone at sixthtone.com.