Early Fitting in Cochlear Implantation: Benefits and Limits.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cochlear implant (CI) surgery involves a delay between device implantation and sound processor activation.
• Standard CI fitting protocols typically involve a waiting period of several weeks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of shortened delay time (less than 8 days) between cochlear implant surgery and processor activation (early CI fitting).
• To assess the medical, technical, audiological, and subjective benefits and limitations of early CI fitting.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 41 patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery, divided into an early fitting (EF) group (n=21) and a control group (CG) (n=19).
• Data collected included questionnaires for technical, medical, and subjective outcomes, electrode impedance, and speech recognition scores.
• Measurements were taken preoperatively, at first activation, and at 3 months post-activation, comparing EF and CG.

Main Results:

• Early CI fitting was medically and audiologicaly feasible in most patients (20/21).
• No significant differences in pain, wound healing complications, or speech recognition development were observed between EF and CG.
• Average electrode impedance was significantly higher in the control group at first activation.

Conclusions:

• Early fitting of the cochlear implant sound processor is feasible and does not compromise wound healing or increase pain.
• While speech recognition outcomes are comparable, early activation is highly appreciated by patients.
• Recommendations include regular inspection of magnet strength due to potential reduction in wound swelling.