Journal article
Longitudinal Acoustic Threshold and Concurrent Electrode Impedance Changes After Cochlear Implantation With Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays
Otology & neurotology, Vol.47(4), pp.e635-e641
04/2026
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004855
PMID: 41642343
Abstract
Purpose:
To investigate changes in hearing sensitivity post cochlear implantation with MED-EL and Advanced Bionics (AB) lateral wall electrode arrays, with a focus on characterizing delayed onset hearing loss (doHL) and concurrent electrode impedance changes.
Methods:
A retrospective review of 96 adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients (101 ears; MED-EL: 51, AB: 50). Hearing sensitivity was assessed using the low-frequency pure tone average (LFPTA; 125, 250, 500 Hz). Immediate decrements in hearing sensitivity were considered separately from delayed decrements. The incidence, degree, and timing of doHL were characterized. Electrode impedances were considered for individuals with doHL compared with those with stable hearing.
Results:
Median immediate hearing loss was 19 dB across manufacturers. At initial activation, 73% of subjects had functional (LFPTA <80 dB HL) hearing. When all subjects with variable postoperative time periods were included, the incidence of doHL was 27% with a median degree of 24 dB. The median time doHL occurred was 76 weeks. Most (79%) subjects were categorized with gradual decrements rather than precipitous. No MED-EL subjects with doHL experienced concurrent impedance changes; 3 AB subjects did. Incidence of doHL rose to 31% and 44% when considering the subset of subjects with at least 1 year and 2 years of postoperative follow-up, respectively.
Conclusion:
DoHL that was precipitous in nature was observed less frequently than previously reported. Although precipitous hearing loss tended to occur shortly after surgery, most instances of doHL occurred later than anticipated. The absence of concurrent impedance changes for recipients of MED-EL electrode arrays is consistent with previous reports.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Longitudinal Acoustic Threshold and Concurrent Electrode Impedance Changes After Cochlear Implantation With Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays
- Creators
- Meggan J. Lind - University of IowaCamille C. Dunn - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsAlexander D. Claussen - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsBruce J. Gantz - Department of Otolaryngology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, United StatesMarlan R. Hansen - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsShawn S. Goodman - University of IowaRachel A. Scheperle - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Otology & neurotology, Vol.47(4), pp.e635-e641
- DOI
- 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004855
- PMID
- 41642343
- NLM abbreviation
- Otol Neurotol
- ISSN
- 1531-7129
- eISSN
- 1537-4505
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
- Grant note
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: DC00242
This work was completed as part of the first author's capstone requirement for the audiology doctoral program at the University of Iowa. The authors appreciate the helpful feedback from two anonymous reviewers and the conversations with various manufacturer representatives, including Leigh Ann Monthey and Sara Duran.
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 02/04/2026
- Date published
- 04/2026
- Academic Unit
- Communication Sciences and Disorders; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
- Record Identifier
- 9985139485202771
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