"Bionic Ears" donated to Plácido Domingo's Hear the World Foundation

The Alfred E. Mann Foundation received two cochlear implants valued at $50,000 from Advanced Bionics Corporation during the recent Alfred Mann Foundation Gala at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.  Plácido Domingo, renowned opera singer, accepted the bionic ears on behalf of Hear the World Foundation. The Advanced Bionics implants are the only ones with the 120 spectral bands necessary to enjoy music, as well as increasing the ability to hear conversations in noisy environments.  In addition, donated surgeries to be performed by John Niparko of Johns Hopkins University Hospital and follow-up audiology and medical services make up a package that is valued at more than $100,000, but will be priceless to the recipients.