Drs. Andrew J. Fishman MD, and Claus Peter Richter MD PhD from Northwestern University detailed their experience in the field of cochlear implant research. Topics discussed were the use of lasers as both stimulating sources as well as surgical tools. The new Hybrid Cochlear Implant from Cochlear Corporation was also introduced. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman is the lead investigator for the Northwestern University research site. The study is an ongoing multicenter trial nationwide. The seminar took place in San Diego California as part of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Annual meeting for 2009.