Postoperative speech comprehension of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Profile Implant with Slim-Modiolar-Electrode (CI532)

Objectives:

For some time the Cochlear Nucleus Profile Implant with Slim-Modiolar-Electrode (CI532) is available for ENT surgeons. The electrode diameter is smaller compared to the CI512 and CI522. The pre-formed shape and the insertion technique with an applicator allows a perimodiolar position. In a first analysis we focused on the post-surgical speech comprehension and residual hearing up to 12 Months after implantation.

Methods:

46 patients (26 male, 20 female) were enclosed retrospectly in our study. The patients underwent surgery with the CI532-Implant in the period between the years 2015 and 2017 at the Department of Otolaryngology of the J.W. Goethe University Clinic in Frankfurt. 44 patients were operated on one ear, two patients underwent bilateral surgery.

Pure tone audiometry and speech comprehension testing with freiburger monosylables test took place before surgery and in the intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months. Data of CI512-implanted patients was used as a control group.

Results:

In 54% of the cases a preoperatively documented residual hearing in the lower frequencies could be preserved after the surgery. The patients reached a best aided speech comprehension of 0 ± 5,8% in Freiburger monosyllables test before the surgery. In the Intervals of 3, 6 and 12 months after cochlear-implant a speech comprehension of 65% (± 24,2), 80%(± 23,4) and 75%(± 17,5) could be reached. The CI512 cohort achieved 65%, 80% and 80% respectively.

Conclusion:

Preservation of the acoustic residual hearing is possible with the CI532 electrode. The speech comprehension of the CI532 in our study reaches the same level as in the CI512 group. The CI532 is a good alternative to the 512 when residual hearing is to be maintained.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)