A new electrode for residual hearing preservation in cochlear implantation: first clinical results

Abstract

Conclusion. A so far unattained high rate (100%) of residual hearing preservation in cochlear implantation for electric-acoustic stimulation could be achieved using sophisticated surgical techniques in combination with the MedEl Flex EAS electrode. Objectives. This study aimed to gather first audiological and surgical results from the experience gained with the new MedEl Flex EAS electrode array. Patients and methods. Nine patients (aged 7.62–71.32 years) with profound high frequency hearing loss were supplied with this atraumatic electrode, which was designed to preserve residual hearing despite intracochlear insertion of an electrode array. All patients were implanted by the same surgeon. Results. Hearing preservation was achieved in all patients (complete preservation 44.44%) after a mean follow-up period of 9.73 months. Mean monosyllabic test scores improved from 9% correct with the hearing aid alone to 48% with the cochlear implant and to 65% in the electric-acoustic mode.

• Cochlear implant
• hearing preservation
• electric-acoustic stimulation
• electrode
• MedEl Flex EAS