Low-frequency residual hearing retention after implantation of the CI Flex26 electrode

Introduction  The lateral wall Flex26 electrode (Med-El), available since 2019, offers the option of residual hearing retention due to its thin diameter and flexible electrode design. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess residual hearing retention after implantation.

Methods Twenty-eight adult patients were included who were implanted unilaterally with the Flex 26 electrodes at the ENT clinic of the University Hospital Frankfurt (age at surgery 49 ±19 years). Residual hearing was recorded tonaudiometrically at four time points: Preoperatively (T0), within 30 days postoperatively (ø 4 days; T1), within the first 9 months (ø 4 months; T2) and approximately one year after fitting (ø 13 months) during follow-up (T3). For the evaluation, the mean value of the low frequencies 125, 250 Hz and 500 Hz (PTAlow) was calculated.

Results In the time interval T0-T1, there was a deterioration of the PTAlow of 18 dB (n=25). In the period up to the next follow-up (T0-T2, n=17), there was also a difference of 18 dB compared to preoperatively. In the last observation period after 9 months (n=9), the residual hearing was almost stable compared to the previous hearing losses (T2-T3) with an average loss of 2 dB. Deafness occurred in four cases, with three cases of deafness occurring immediately after implantation.

Discussion With the Flex26 electrode, residual hearing in the low frequency range is possible. Over the observation period, there was a tendency for deafness to worsen within the first year. Thus, it remains to be seen whether residual hearing retention can be maintained over the long term.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023