Awake Cochlear Implant Breakthrough | Sacramento News

Sacramento News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 28, 2026 · 1m

A Sacramento doctor just pulled off a groundbreaking cochlear implant surgery — performed while the patient stayed fully awake. Patty Peasley, who avoids general anesthesia due to her Type 1 diabetes, listened to Chopin’s piano music as Dr. Varun Varadarajan worked, describing the experience as calm and even dental-like. This first-of-its-kind procedure in the region offers a safer, personalized alternative for patients wary of anesthesia risks. With cochlear implants now often outpatient and recovery swift, Peasley is already hearing new sounds — and urging others with hearing loss to act…