Does early activation within hours after cochlear implant surgery influence electrode impedances?

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to determine if early device activation can influence cochlear implant electrode impedances by providing electrical stimulation within hours after cochlear implant surgery.

Design

Electrode impedances were measured intraoperatively, at device activation, and one-month after device activation in three groups: users whose devices were activated (1) on the same day (Same Day), (2) the next day (Next Day), and (3) 10–14 days (Standard), after cochlear implant surgery.

Study sample

Electrode impedances are reported in fifty-one patients implanted with a Cochlear™ Nucleus^® Cochlear Implant.

Results

Compared to intraoperative levels, impedances dropped within hours for the Same Day activation group (p < 0.001) and continued dropping on the next day after surgery (p < 0.001). Similarly, electrode impedances were significantly (p < 0.001) lower at device activation for the Next Day group as compared to their intraoperative measurements. For Standard activation, impedances increased significantly from intraoperative levels, prior to device activation (p < 0.001). One-month after initial activation, impedances were not statistically different between the Same Day, Next Day, and Standard activation groups.

Conclusions

Early device activation does not influence long-term impedances in a clinically meaningful manner.

Keywords:

• Electrode impedances
• cochlear implants
• fluctuating impedances
• early activation
• same day activation
• next day activation

Disclosure statement

Aniket A. Saoji has research funding from Cochlear Americas and he is a consultant for Advanced Bionics, Oticon Medical, and Envoy Medical. Matthew L. Carlson has research funding from Cochlear Americas.

Institutional review board approval

This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board (21-000226).