Robotic-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion Improves Rates of Hearing Preservation

Uzair A Khan; Camille C Dunn; Rachel A Scheperle; Jacob Oleson; Alexander D Claussen; Bruce J Gantz; Marlan R Hansen

doi:10.1002/lary.32318

Back

Robotic-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion Improves Rates of Hearing Preservation

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Robotic-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion Improves Rates of Hearing Preservation

Uzair A Khan, Camille C Dunn, Rachel A Scheperle, Jacob Oleson, Alexander D Claussen, Bruce J Gantz and Marlan R Hansen

The Laryngoscope, Vol.135(11), pp.4364-4371

11/2025

DOI: 10.1002/lary.32318

PMCID: PMC12576857

PMID: 40497654

Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.32318View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Objective(s) Robotic-assisted electrode array (EA) insertion is a promising technique that may enhance hearing preservation in cochlear implant (CI) surgery. The purpose of our study is to understand the extent to which robotic-assisted EA insertion improves hearing preservation. Methods Twenty-four adult patients underwent CI surgery with manual EA insertion and 27 adult patients underwent CI surgery with robotic-assisted EA insertion using the iotaSOFT system. The EAs used included the Flex 20/24/26. The primary outcome variable was low frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA), defined as mean audiometric threshold at 125, 250, and 500 Hz. This was measured preoperatively, at initial activation (within 4 weeks of surgery), and subsequently at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Functional acoustic hearing was defined as LFPTA < 80 dB HL. Results Seventeen out of 24 patients (71%) in the manual insertion group and 23 out of 27 patients (85%) in the robotic-assisted EA insertion group had preserved functional acoustic hearing (< 80 dB HL) up till 1 year (Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) is not statistically significant, p = 0.31). The number needed to treat with robotic-assisted EA insertion to prevent one additional negative outcome of loss of functional acoustic hearing would be 7 (1/0.14). Conclusion Robotic-assisted EA insertion is associated with improved hearing preservation over 1 year compared with manual insertion. Hearing preservation leads to improved outcomes and therefore every effort should be made to preserve the delicate structure and function of the cochlea during EA insertion. Robotic-assisted EA insertion advances that objective. Level of Evidence: III (cohort study).

cochlear implant

robotic?assisted insertion

hearing preservation

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Robotic-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion Improves Rates of Hearing Preservation
Creators: Uzair A Khan - Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Camille C Dunn - University of Iowa, Otolaryngology
Rachel A Scheperle - University of Iowa
Jacob Oleson - University of Iowa
Alexander D Claussen - University of Iowa
Bruce J Gantz - University of Iowa
Marlan R Hansen - Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: The Laryngoscope, Vol.135(11), pp.4364-4371
DOI: 10.1002/lary.32318
PMID: 40497654
PMCID: PMC12576857
NLM abbreviation: Laryngoscope
ISSN: 1531-4995
eISSN: 1531-4995
Publisher: Wiley
Grant note: NIH NIDCD P50-DC000242 / NIH HHS NIH NIDCD T32-DC000040-29 / NIH HHS
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 06/11/2025
Date published: 11/2025
Academic Unit: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Biostatistics; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984829027402771

Metrics

6 Record Views

4 Times Cited - Web of Science