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Review
. 2025 Nov-Dec;91(6):101718.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101718. Epub 2025 Sep 6.

The Green Cochlea

Abdulrahman Hagr  1 , Farid Alzhrani  2 , Fida Almuhawas  2 , Yassin Abdelsamad  3 , Medhat Yousef  2 , Asma Alahmadi  2 , Christiana Kyvelidou  4 , Ilona Anderson  4
Affiliations
Review

The Green Cochlea

Abdulrahman Hagr et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objectives: Healthcare systems contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption and waste generation. This study aims to explore strategies to make cochlear implantation processes more environmentally sustainable and aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Methods: We examined various approaches including the use of bio-based and biodegradable materials, sustainable energy solutions, greener anesthetic practices, effective waste separation and recycling in operating rooms, and patient-centered strategies such as reducing travel and promoting early activation and fitting of cochlear implants.

Results: Establishing a 'Green Team' was identified as a key factor to raise awareness and motivation for sustainability initiatives. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of cochlear implantation by decreasing surgical waste, lowering energy consumption, and minimizing patient-related emissions.

Conclusion: By adopting these sustainable practices, the cochlear implant field can reduce its environmental impact, contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts, and enhance patient well-being, positioning itself as a leader in healthcare sustainability.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Cochlear implantation; Early Activation; Green cochlea; Sustainability; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Overview of United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Impact of cochlear implantation interventions on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Only the SDGs that are affected are shown here (12/17), in order from the one affected by the most interventions (top left) to the one affected by the least interventions (bottom right). The icons inside the circles indicate which intervention affects each SDG and are explained in the legend on the right.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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