Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Pilot study of a multidisciplinary single-day cochlear implant selection protocol
Nienke C Homans1, Hylke F E van der Toom1, Robert J Pauw1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands.
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore and introduce the potential of a MSCS (Multidisciplinary Single-day Cochlear Implant Selection) protocol. The primary objectives of this pilot were to reduce the duration between referral and surgery, minimize hospital visits and decrease the time healthcare professionals dedicate to the cochlear implant (CI) selection process.
Materials And Methods:
We established a pilot program at the CI center of the Erasmus MC, a tertiary referral center in the Netherlands, with the goal of improving and shorten the selection process. We evaluated our pilot, including 15 CI candidates, and conducted a retrospective analysis for time and cost savings.
Results:
The results showed that the pilot of the MSCS protocol significantly reduced the length of the CI selection phase (84 days vs 1; standard intake vs MSCS protocol) and the number of hospital visits (6 vs 2 visits; standard vs MSCS protocol), resulting in less travel time and lower costs for the CI candidates. The total time of professionals spend on patients was also reduced with 27 %.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the potential benefits of the MSCS protocol in terms of reducing the burden on patients and healthcare providers and improving the efficiency of the CI selection process.
