Long-term hearing preservation in cochlear implant patients

Abstract

By using sophisticated surgical techniques in combination with the Slim Perimodiolar cochlear implant electrode array a hitherto unattained high rate of residual hearing preservation in cochlear implantation has been observed that makes potential for electric acoustic stimulation. One of the primary aims of cochlear implant system engineering is to promote atraumatic electrode insertion to maintain optimal postoperative hearing sensitivity by protecting and preserving the delicate inner ear structures.The study aimed to collect pre-, and postoperative audiological and surgical results from the experience gained from the applied cochlear implant configuration.About 30 patients (aged 43.32 ± 24 years) with partial hearing loss were supplied with this atraumatic perimodiolar thin electrode which was designed to preserve residual hearing despite intracochlear insertion of an electrode array. All patients were implanted with consentaneous CI system and surgery technique.The use of new electrode array profiles in cochlear implantation plays a fundamental role in minimally invasive soft surgery, taking into individual needs, and providing long-term acoustic hearing preservation. Hearing preservation was achieved in most cases (partial residual hearing preservation) after a long-term follow-up period (preoperation, at least one year).