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June 24, 2025

66. Making Hearing More Accessible Through Cochlear Implants | Rebecca Lewis, AuD & Mathilde Tranberg

by Anthony Effinger

The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. Host: Anthony Effinger

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Cochlear implants are neat little devices that drastically improve one’s quality of life. However, only about 10% of those that qualify for cochlear implants have actually received one. When one thinks of cochlear implants, the first thing that might come to mind is surgery–invasive, lengthy, with a long time of recovery. However, at PNI, patients can expect a much faster, minimally invasive treatment option. Dr. Rebecca Lewis, the Audiology Director of the Adult & Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, highlights the importance of getting an evaluation done, and early. Studies have shown that the earlier one gets treatment for their hearing issues, the better the outcome. Mathilde Tranberg, an outreach and patient support specialist at PNI, is a cochlear implant recipient herself. As she was implanted as a child, she knows firsthand how helpful it can be. Her goal is to spread the word about cochlear implants through community outreach and education. Listen in and learn about how these innovative devices are changing lives.

About Dr. Rebecca Lewis

Rebecca Lewis AuD

Rebecca (Becky) Lewis, AuD, is an audiologist and the Audiology Director of the Adult & Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. She also holds the position of Adjunct Professor at Mount Saint Mary University / John Tracey Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. She has provided rehabilitative services including hearing aids, hearing protection, Osseo integrated devices, auditory brainstem implant and cochlear implant (CI) services to adults and children.

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About the Author

Anthony Effinger

Anthony Effinger

Think Neuro's host is Anthony Effinger, an award-winning journalist who is fascinated with neuroscience and the workings of the brain. Anthony spent 24 years at Bloomberg News, where he covered all aspects of finance, with forays into science and health. In 2006, the Association of Health Care Journalists awarded him first prize for Playing the Odds, an in-depth piece on the changing strategies used to treat prostate cancer. These days, he is a staff writer at Willamette Week, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper in Portland, Oregon, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Last updated: October 28th, 2025