Surgical experience and results in preservation of residual hearing in patients provided with 532 electrodes

Introduction:

Preservation of residual hearing and speech-understanding are the main criteria for measuring success in cochlear implantation. Patients (p) with residual hearing benefit in complex hearing situations and with respect to speech recognition and processing. Due to a small diameter the shape of the 532 electrode (Cochlear ®) promises a reduced insertion trauma and an improved residual hearing.

Methods:

32 p were preoperatively subdivided into groups with (RH) and without defined residual hearing (noRH). Tone and speech audiogram and neuronal action potentials (NRT) were compared preoperatively, one day, three and six months postoperatively.

Results:

Since 10/2016 32 patients were provided with a 532 electrode, 16 with and 16 without residual hearing. Pure tone audiometry showed a decrease in the deeper frequencies from 45 to 65 dB within the first 3 months, while middle frequencies remained stable. Maximum comprehension of monosyllables after 3 months in the RH group assimilated to the results in the noRH group. NRT measurement revealed similar results intra- and 3 as well as 6 months postoperatively. No problems occurred during implantation in 30 p, in 2 p there was seen a tip fold over.

Conclusion:

Results in functional hearing with and without residual hearing assimilate within half a year. On the long run a loss of residual hearing is expected and alternative methods for hearing preservation have to be thought over.

Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
18. April 2018 (online)