[The value of basic research as applied to cochlear implants]

This article discusses the value of basic research as applied to cochlear implants. The article is aimed at clinicians and audiologists who are working in the field of cochlear implants or who are interested in this field. The article also gives a more general introduction to modelling for researchers in the clinical environment. It provides an entry point to cochlear implant research and reviews the application of basic research to new developments in cochlear implants. It is shown what has been achieved so far and which problems still exist. The role of multidisciplinary research teams to solve these problems is discussed. Experimental research and modelling co-operate to solve problems and make new discoveries. The importance of modelling as a tool for basic research is emphasized.