Simultaneous Analog Stimulation (SAS)--Continuous Interleaved Sampler (CIS) pilot comparison study in Europe.

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The CLARION Multi-Strategy Cochlear Implant now features an enhanced bipolar electrode array.
• This innovation facilitates successful patient fitting with the Simultaneous Analog Stimulation (SAS) strategy using bipolar coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient performance and preference between Continuous Interleaved Sampler (CIS) and Simultaneous Analog Stimulation (SAS) strategies.
• To explore the relationship between psychophysical findings and electrode array positioning.

Main Methods:

• 22 cochlear implant subjects were fitted with both CIS and SAS strategies.
• Speech perception was evaluated up to 3 months postoperatively.
• Patient preference for CIS or SAS was recorded and analyzed alongside psychophysical data.

Main Results:

• 20 out of 22 subjects could be fitted with both CIS and SAS strategies.
• Half of the subjects preferred the SAS strategy.
• Preferred strategy use correlated with higher overall patient performance.
• SAS users exhibited higher electrode impedance and lower loudness levels compared to CIS users.

Conclusions:

• Patient preference for a specific cochlear implant sound processing strategy impacts overall performance.
• Psychophysical differences between SAS and CIS users may be associated with intracochlear electrode array placement.
• A more modiolus-hugging electrode array position is hypothesized for SAS users.