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The nucleus double array cochlear implant: a new concept for the obliterated cochlea
T Lenarz1, A Lesinski-Schiedat, B P Weber
1Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Hannover, Germany.
Summary
A new double array cochlear implant significantly improves hearing in patients with totally obliterated cochleas. This advanced device increases intracochlear electrodes, leading to better auditory results and speech understanding.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Totally obliterated cochleas present challenges for cochlear implantation.
- Conventional implants may not provide sufficient electrode access in such cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel double array cochlear implant in patients with obliterated cochleas.
- To assess if this implant can increase intracochlear electrode count and improve auditory outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A clinical study involving 10 patients (32-66 years) with obliterated cochleas.
- Surgical placement of a double array implant with two separate electrode carriers.
- Postoperative audiologic testing to evaluate speech understanding and auditory improvement.
Main Results:
- All patients demonstrated significantly improved speech understanding with the double array implant.
- Auditory performance was better when using the additional apical electrode array.
- No surgical or device-related complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- The Nucleus double array implant effectively increases intracochlear electrode numbers in obliterated cochleas.
- This leads to significantly enhanced auditory results for patients.