Cochlear Implant Trial Publication After ClinicalTrials.gov Registration

To evaluate the publication efficiency of registered cochlear implant (CI) trials and characterise evolving research trends following the 2022 update.

This study queried ClinicalTrials.gov to assess publication rates for trials completed before October 2022 and characterise research trends for subsequent registrations. Publication status was ascertained via PubMed and Google Scholar, and trial characteristics were analysed to identify predictors.

Among 98 completed trials, only 26.5% were published. Publication was lowest for industry-sponsored (20.6%) and device trials (20.9%). Interventional design and larger enrolment showed positive but non-significant associations. Post-2022 registrations signalled diversification: device trials decreased (43.9% to 31.9%), while rehabilitation (13.3% to 20.3%) and procedural refinements (11.2% to 17.4%) expanded.

A marked gap persists in CI evidence dissemination, with only one-quarter of trials published. While device studies remain prominent, recent trends reflect a broadening research agenda with increasing emphasis on rehabilitation and surgical techniques, warranting continued monitoring.