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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
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 in 41 cochlear implant recipients with preimplant low-frequency residual hearing
Kasper Dyre Rasmussen1,2, Niels Cramer West1,2, Søren Foghsgaard1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Background:
Hearing preservation (HP) is an important objective in cochlear implantation for patients with residual low-frequency hearing, but its long-term clinical relevance remains uncertain.
Objective:
To evaluate long-term hearing preservation, functional residual hearing, and speech recognition following cochlear implantation.
Material And Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 41 adults (42 ears) with a preoperative low-frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA) ≤80 dB HL. Hearing preservation was assessed using the HEARRING and low-frequency threshold shift (dPTA) classifications. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated longitudinal changes in LFPTA and speech recognition, and Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated retention of functional residual hearing.
Results:
Hearing preservation was frequently achieved according to both classification systems. LFPTA deteriorated by 20.5 dB HL during the first 6 postoperative months and declined by 2.46 dB HL annually thereafter (p = 0.020). Functional residual hearing decreased from 66.7% to 41.7% during follow-up. In contrast, speech recognition improved significantly after implantation (all p < 0.001) and remained stable. Retained functional residual hearing was not associated with superior speech recognition.
Conclusions And Significance:
Although residual hearing declined progressively, speech recognition remained robust irrespective of retained functional residual hearing. Hearing preservation remains a worthwhile surgical objective but was not associated with improved long-term speech recognition.