Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Conditions
Brief summary
Cochlear implants (CIs) are well-established neuroprosthesis used to restore hearing for patients with partial or complete deafness. However, the audiological outcomes of these implants can vary widely, and one reason for this is suboptimal electrode placement. The gold standard for measuring electrode positions is computed tomography (CT) scans, but they are expensive and expose patients to additional radiation, which is especially harmful for children. This study investigates an alternative approach using impedance telemetry data to estimate electrode positions without exposing patients to radiation. For this purpose, an extended telemetry version of a CE-certified cochlear implant software is used. The advanced impedance telemetry software can measure impedance subcomponents with improved measurement resolution that could be used for more accurate estimation of electrode insertion depth using specially designed estimation software. Ultimately, the investigators want to demonstrate the potential to improve audiological outcomes of cochlear implant recipients without exposing them to additional radiation.
Interventions
Sponsors
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Informed Consent signed by the subject * Subjects scheduled for CI surgery according to clinical routine * Subjects who will receive a cochlear implant of the MED-EL portfolio (FLEX series arrays) * No radiological contraindications * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures for the duration of the study
Exclusion criteria
* Lack of compliance with any inclusion criteria * Subjects incapable of giving informed consent * Age under 18 years * Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Linear error of electrode insertion depth estimation | At the first post-operative CT scan according to conventional clinical routine (+0-4weeks) | Linear error (in mm) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth compared to ground truth from CT scans. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Intra-operative progression of impedance subcomponents | During cochlear implantation (day 0) | Intra-operative measurement of access resistance and polarization impedance measured by the STOP software at several positions of the electrode array in the cochlea (stepwise insertion). The results will be expressed in kOhm (kΩ). |
| Post-operative progression of electrode insertion depth estimation | Recordings will be made during cochlear implant surgery (day 0) and at three follow-up visits (+2weeks, +4weeks, +12weeks). | Post-operative cochlear implant electrode insertion depth estimation using a phenomenological model based on access resistance and polarization impedance measured by the STOP software after full insertion of the electrode array. The results will be expressed in kOhm (kΩ). |
| Angular error of electrode insertion depth estimation | At the first post-operative CT scan according to conventional clinical routine (+0-4weeks) | Angular error (in degrees) in impedance-based estimation of cochlear implant electrode insertion depth using a phenomenological model compared to ground truth from CT scans. |
Countries
Switzerland
Contacts
Primary ContactStephan Schraivogel, MSc
Backup ContactWilhelm Wimmer, Prof.
Outcome results
None listed