Piedmont Athens Established Cochlear Implant Program
The local hospital launched a surgical program to provide hearing restoration access in Athens.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Stroke
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Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center approved a new cochlear implant program in March 2026. The clinic allows patients to receive surgical hearing treatments locally rather than traveling to Atlanta or Augusta.
Why it matters
The program was established to eliminate the logistical burden for patients requiring surgery when standard hearing aids become ineffective. Providing local access ensures residents can receive necessary care without long-distance travel.
The program provides cochlear implants for patients whose hearing loss renders standard devices ineffective. Dr. Alex Murphey performs the surgical procedures following comprehensive diagnostic testing.
The players
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
This is a major healthcare provider and medical facility serving the Athens community.
Dr. Alex Murphey
He is the surgeon at ENT of Athens responsible for performing the cochlear implant procedures.
Nancy Stone
She is a Walton County resident and patient who successfully received a cochlear implant through the new local program.
The details
Dr. Alex Murphey, who previously treated patients in Alaska from 2021 to 2023, now performs these surgeries at ENT of Athens. The medical initiative supports patients like Nancy Stone of Walton County, who sought local options after experiencing sudden hearing loss in November 2025.
Timeline
Dr. Alex Murphey treated patients in Alaska from 2021 to 2023.
Nancy Stone experienced sudden hearing loss in November 2025.
Piedmont Athens approved the cochlear implant program in March 2026.
The Big Picture
The introduction of this surgical service aligns with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association standards for cochlear implant candidacy by providing specialized diagnostic and surgical care. This initiative follows the established clinical requirements for auditory restoration while expanding professional access to these medical protocols.
Residents suffering from severe hearing loss now have a local alternative to traveling several hours for specialized surgical treatment. This reduces the time and expense patients previously incurred to visit centers in Atlanta or Augusta.
The takeaway
Patients who find standard hearing aids ineffective should consult with a specialist to determine if they meet the criteria for surgical intervention. Establishing local surgical options allows for faster post-operative follow-up and improved long-term care management.
Further reading
Learn more about local health services and medical developments in Athens.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Athens Banner-Herald.
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