[Introduction of a next-generation "smart" cochlear implant (Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™) in Hungary: our early experiences]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2026
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Bálint Posta1, Roland Nagy1, Ádám Perényi1
11 Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Szent-Györgyi Albert Orvostudományi Kar, Fül-Orr-Gégészeti és Fej-Nyaksebészeti Klinika Szeged, Tisza Lajos krt. 111., 6725 Magyarország.
Introduction:
The first cochlear implantation at the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, was performed in 1995. Since then, 1077 implantations have been carried out at our institution. On 25-26 June 2025, we performed the first Hungarian implantations of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa™ system at our department. The manufacturer presents this device as the world's first "smart" cochlear implant.
Objective:
The aim of our study was to summarize the early experience with Nexa™ implantations in Hungary, which may represent a new milestone in modern cochlear implant technology.
Method:
Two patients with sensorineural hearing loss - an 11-year-old child and a 56-year-old woman - underwent left-sided cochlear implantation with the new implant system. Both procedures were performed through a standard transmastoid approach, followed by posterior tympanotomy and round-window access. Intraoperative electrophysiological measurements, including impedance testing, transimpedance matrix measurement, electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold measurement and neural response telemetry, were used for device and electrode function assessment.
Results:
Both operations were completed without complications. Intraoperative measurements confirmed appropriate implant function, and the postoperative course was uneventful in both patients. Initial activation and fitting of the external sound processor followed a workflow similar to that used with previous systems, supplemented by programming of the implanted electronics. Initial programming and fitting were completed without technical difficulties in both cases, and the early audiological experience was favorable.
Discussion:
The novelty of the Nexa™ system lies in the future upgradeability of the internal unit, implant-level data management, and new technological solutions supporting intraoperative monitoring and long-term care. Based on our initial experience, the implant system can be safely integrated into established surgical and audiological workflows.
Conclusion:
The first Hungarian use of the Nexa™ system may represent an important technological advance in cochlear implant care in Hungary. Its upgradeable architecture may allow recipients to benefit from future technological developments. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(44): 1778-1784.
