Abstract
Objective
The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of early activation of
a cochlear implant in terms of both effectiveness and safety.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective study on a series of patients who had cochlear implant
surgery between April 2018 and June 2023. In the early activation group (EA) 25 patients
were included, with activation performed on days 0 to 1 post-implantation, and 14
patients were included in the control group (C), who underwent traditional activation
between days 15 and 35 post-implantation. Impedance values, speech intelligibility
thresholds at 60 dB, and processor usage time in each group were recorded at activation
and on days 30, 60, and 90 post-implantations. The EA group also underwent a prospective
satisfaction assessment.
Results
We did not observe any statistically significant differences between the two groups
regarding medium-term impedance evolution, speech intelligibility, or processor usage
time. A significant improvement in satisfaction results was noted in the EA group.
No complications related to early activation were observed.
Conclusion
Based on our study results, early activation of a cochlear implant is a reliable technique
that improves patient satisfaction without affecting electrophysiological and audiological
outcomes or increasing the risk of complications.
Keywords
cochlear implantation - early activation - impedance - electrophysiology
