Miyamoto performed Indiana’s first cochlear implant procedure in 1979 at the IU Hospital.

Miyamoto, the Arilla Spence DeVault Professor, is internationally known for his pioneering work and research of cochlear implants and treatment of profound deafness among adults and children. The department he leads is one the major centers in the country to receive National Institutes of Health funding to research pediatric cochlear implantation. On the faculty since 1978, Miyamoto was elected to NAS membership with other nominees Oct. 27. NAS is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded to a U.S. medical scientist or engineer. It recognizes members’ distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. In July, he was one of 35 IUSM physicians listed in the annual issue of America’s Top Doctors.

Miyamoto performed Indiana’s first cochlear implant procedure in 1979 at the IU Hospital, and in 1995, he and his team at Riley Hospital for Children implanted a device in 16-month-old boy, the youngest ever to receive an implant at that time. With clear evidence of the advantages of early implantation, Miyamoto and his colleagues have recently implanted the device in a 6-month-old congenitally deaf infant who, by age 18 months, has achieved age appropriate speech and language skills. More than 850 patients have received implants at the IU Medical Center.

The Institute of Medicine was chartered in 1970 as a component of the National Academy of Sciences. The Institute provides a public service by working outside the framework of government to ensure scientifically informed analysis and independent guidance.