Comparative Results with Different Cochlear Implants

Abstract

The cochlear implant program in Budapest began in 1985, since when 60 operations have been performed, 14 of them on children (51 primary procedures and 9 reimplantations). Different devices and also different techniques have been used: extracochlear promontory, extracochlear round window and intracochlear implants. Various speech processors were applied; at first a digital pulsatile sound-encoding system, later on analog processors were used, while processors operating on the basis of the CIS strategy are preferred nowadays. The operations were performed on both pre- and postlingual patients. In several cases contralateral hearing improvement was observed 6 months after the operation. Considerable experience has been gained of unique cases, such as a deaf-blind prelingual child and prelingual twins. Evaluating cochlear implant performance, in addition to the usual audiological tests measuring postoperative speech understanding, warble tone sound field thresholds were also established.

Change of Vestibular Function after Cochlear Implantation

“…Only a few patients have short-lasting vertigo in the postoperative period [5]. Previously we have reported our results obtained using a computer system for the examination of cochlear implant patients.…”

“…As we have reported previously [9], we have used different implants and different speech processors in the last several years (MedEl Combi 40 and Combi40+). More recently the CIS strategy has been preferred.…”

“…As we reported previously [5,6], our patients underwent a detailed neurootological examination before implantation.…”

Cochlear Implantation Influences Contralateral Hearing and Vestibular Responsiveness

“…As to the intracochlear devices, all of them were 2-, 8-or 12-channel MedEl implants, with one exception (Nu-cleus), and in the last several years MedEl Combi40 and Combi40+ have been used exclusively. In addition, different speech processors were applied; at first a digital pulsatile sound encoding system was used, later on analog processors were used, while in the last 3 years processors operating on the basis of the CIS strategy have been preferred (2)(3)(4).…”

“…It has been the method of choice at the ORL Clinic of Semmelweis University Medical School in Budapest since 1985. We have reported previously our experiences and observations using different kinds of cochlear implants (1). With increasing numbers of patients and newer generations of implants, however, implanting teams have more to report on various aspects of cochlear implantation.…”