The Journal of International
Advanced Otology
Original Article

Insertion Results and Hearing Outcomes of a Slim Lateral Wall Electrode

1.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland

2.

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland

J Int Adv Otol 2024; 20: 1-7
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2024.22962
Read: 632 Downloads: 346 Published: 01 February 2024

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation vary for several reasons. It is necessary to study the different electrodes and variables for further development. The aim of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of a new slim lateral wall electrode (SlimJ).

METHODS: Data of 25 cochlear implantations in 23 patients with the SlimJ electrode were retrospectively collected. The insertion results were assessed by image fusion of the preoperative computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and postoperative cone-beam CT. The hearing outcomes were evaluated by the improvement of speech recognition in noise, measured preoperatively and at follow-up. Postoperative pure-tone thresholds were obtained in cases with preoperative functional low frequency hearing [PTA (0.125-0.5 kHz) ≤ 80 dB HL].

RESULTS: The preoperative mean speech reception threshold (SRT) was +0.6 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (SD ± 4.2 dB) and the postoperative −3.5 dB SNR (SD ± 2.3 dB). The improvements between the preoperative and postoperative SRT levels ranged from 0.0 to 15.1 dB, with a mean improvement of 4.2 dB (SD ± 3.6 dB). Residual hearing in low frequencies (mean PTA(125-500 Hz)) was preserved within 30 dB HL in 70% and within 15 dB HL in 40% of patients who had preoperatively functional low frequency hearing. Mean insertion depth angle (IDA) was 401° (SD ± 41°). We observed scalar translocations from scala tympani to scala vestibuli in 2 ears (9%).

CONCLUSION: The relatively atraumatic insertion characteristics make the SlimJ array feasible for hearing preservation cochlear implantation. The hearing outcomes are comparable to those reported for other electrodes and devices

Cite this article as: Sipari S, Iso-Mustajärvi M, Linder P, Dietz A. Insertion results and hearing outcomes of a slim lateral wall electrode. J Int Adv Otol. 2024;20(1):1-7.

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