Electric-acoustic stimulation with longer electrodes for potential deterioration in low-frequency hearing
Open Access
- 31 July 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Acta Oto-Laryngologica
- Vol. 140 (8), 632-638
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.1760351
Abstract
Background:Electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS) has emerged as a standard treatment for patients with high-frequency hearing loss. EAS is usually performed with shorter electrodes of 16-24 mm in length. As most EAS recipients gradually lose residual acoustic hearing in the implanted ear over time, EAS with longer electrodes without causing significant intra-cochlear damage might be ideal. Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate hearing preservation (HP) results after EAS surgery with longer electrodes. Methods:Ten patients (11 ears) with partial deafness that met the indications for EAS with a MED-EL FLEX28 electrode were included in this study. Auditory thresholds before and at 6 months after activation were examined. Results:In 100% of cases, HP was comfortably achieved, indicating that all patients could utilize acoustic amplification combined with electric stimulation. Conclusion:EAS with longer electrodes can offer broader cochlear coverage, resulting in natural frequency matching in comparison with shorter electrodes, even in EAS cases. The combination of advanced surgical techniques and flexible, long, straight electrodes permits deep insertion that reaches the apical region with little or no insertion trauma.This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit:
- Investigation of the effect of cochlear implant electrode length on speech comprehension in quiet and noise compared with the results with users of electro-acoustic-stimulation, a retrospective analysisPLOS ONE, 2017
- Long-term results of hearing preservation cochlear implant surgery in patients with residual low frequency hearingActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2016
- Influence of Cochlear Implant Insertion Depth on PerformanceOtology & Neurotology, 2014
- Hearing preservation and clinical outcome of 32 consecutive electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) surgeriesActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2014
- Towards a consensus on a hearing preservation classification systemActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2013
- Electric-Acoustic Stimulation of the Auditory System: A Review of the First DecadeAudiology and Neurotology, 2011
- Achievement of hearing preservation in the presence of an electrode covering the residual hearing regionActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2011
- A new electrode for residual hearing preservation in cochlear implantation: first clinical resultsActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2009
- Electric-Acoustic Stimulation of the Auditory SystemORL, 1999
- A cochlear frequency-position function for several species—29 years laterThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 1990