Combined electric acoustic stimulation with the PULSARCI(100) implant system using the FLEX(EAS) electrode array

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) combines acoustic hearing for low frequencies with electrical stimulation for high frequencies.
• The MED-EL PULSARCI(100) implant with the FLEX(EAS) electrode offers a potential solution for hearing loss.
• Evaluating EAS efficacy in a multicenter setting is crucial for understanding its real-world benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess low-frequency hearing preservation and stability after EAS surgery.
• To evaluate the efficacy and long-term benefits of EAS compared to cochlear implant-only devices.
• To analyze speech perception improvements and subjective benefits in patients receiving EAS.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen subjects with combined hearing loss received the FLEX(EAS) electrode via cochleostomy or round window approach.
• Preoperative and postoperative assessments included hearing measurements, speech perception tests, and subjective benefit questionnaires.
• Data were collected at EAS fitting (3 months post-surgery) and at 3, 6, and 12 months after fitting.

Main Results:

• Hearing preservation was achieved in all 18 subjects.
• Significant improvements in speech understanding were observed across all tests over 12 months.
• EAS demonstrated superior performance compared to cochlear implant-only conditions at all measurement intervals.
• Subjective benefit outcomes corroborated the objective improvements in speech perception.

Conclusions:

• Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) using the FLEX(EAS) electrode is effective for preserving low-frequency hearing.
• This technology leads to significant and sustained improvements in speech perception.
• EAS offers considerable benefits for individuals with specific patterns of hearing loss.