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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation in High-Frequency Hearing Loss via Electric Acoustic Stimulation with Longer Electrode
Published on: October 11, 2024
Hearing preservation after complete cochlear coverage in cochlear implantation with the free-fitting FLEXSOFT
Silke Helbig1, Uwe Baumann, Constanze Hey
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. silke.helbig@kgu.de
Summary
Atraumatic insertion of the FLEX electrode preserved residual hearing in most subjects, demonstrating its effectiveness for hearing preservation in cochlear implant surgery. This flexible electrode offers a promising approach for patients needing cochlear implants.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cochlear implantation aims to restore hearing in severe to profound hearing loss.
- Preserving residual hearing is crucial for optimizing speech perception and electroacoustic stimulation outcomes.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques and flexible electrode designs are key to atraumatic insertion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of atraumatic insertion using the free-fitting FLEX electrode.
- To assess the degree of hearing preservation following FLEX electrode implantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 22 severely to profoundly hearing impaired subjects with residual hearing.
- Atraumatic implantation of the 31.5-mm FLEX electrode via round window or cochleostomy.
- Evaluation of pre- and post-operative low-frequency pure-tone average (PTA) and speech perception (Freiburger monosyllabic word test).
Main Results:
- Residual hearing preservation was achieved in 77.3% of subjects.
- Complete loss of residual hearing occurred in 22.7% of subjects.
- Significant improvement in speech perception was observed postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Atraumatic insertion of the flexible FLEX electrode is possible.
- High rates of residual hearing preservation can be achieved with this approach.
- Flexible electrodes and atraumatic techniques are vital for successful cochlear implantation outcomes.
