Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
08:06
Robotic Cochlear Implantation for Direct Cochlear Access
Published on: June 16, 2022
Partial and double-array implantation of the ossified cochlea
J Thomas Roland1, Daniel H Coelho, Harry Pantelides
1Division of Otology/Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Summary
Double-array cochlear implants offer more usable electrodes in ossified cochleae than partial standard insertions. Both methods are safe, with children showing better speech outcomes regardless of deafness duration.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cochlear ossification presents surgical challenges for electrode insertion.
- Standard and double-array electrode designs offer different insertion profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of partial standard and double-array cochlear implantation in ossified cochleae.
- To compare electrode insertion and speech performance between the two techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 20 cochleae in 19 patients with ossified cochleae.
- Patients received either partial standard or double-array electrode insertion.
- Outcomes assessed included electrode counts and open-set speech recognition.
Main Results:
- Double-array insertion resulted in more electrodes inserted (18.1) and active (16.3) compared to partial standard insertion (14.8 and 11.3).
- Children demonstrated better open-set speech recognition than adults, irrespective of deafness duration.
- No surgical complications were reported for either technique.
Conclusions:
- Double-array cochlear implantation facilitates greater electrode utilization in ossified cochleae.
- Both partial standard and double-array insertions are safe and effective, particularly for pediatric patients.
- Availability of both straight and double arrays is recommended for managing cochlear ossification.
Related Concept Videos
01:13The Cochlea
The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
01:11The Auditory Ossicles
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...