Preliminary Evidence to Support a De-Escalated Cochlear Implant Programming Paradigm for New Adult Recipients: A...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otolaryngology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Current cochlear implant (CI) programming schedules lack standardization.
• Existing practices may lead to excessive patient appointments.
• There is a need for evidence-based CI follow-up protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence supporting a de-escalated, evidence-based schedule for adult CI programming.
• To identify optimal follow-up strategies for CI recipients based on available data.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review conducted in March 2023 across PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases.
• Studies were included if they evaluated evidence-based CI programming schedules or longitudinal programming/outcome data.
• Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Main Results:

• 18 studies were included from an initial 940 identified.
• Only 2 studies directly assessed the feasibility of de-escalated CI programming approaches.
• Longitudinal data indicated stability in speech outcomes and programming parameters by 3-6 months post-activation.

Conclusions:

• A significant lack of literature exists on evidence-based CI programming and follow-up schedules.
• Available data on outcome stability support a de-escalated programming model.
• A de-escalated approach, concentrating on early post-activation programming, could improve patient care and reduce program strain.