In cochlea implantation, it is common to use electrodes with a standard length. However, because of the considerable interindividual variation in the geometric dimensions of the cochlea, this procedure is not optimal. Especially for patients with low-frequency residual hearing, an individual selection of the electrode length and an anatomically appropriate fitting are desirable in order to preserve the remaining hearing performance and to improve rehabilitation with a CI.

In the study, CI patients with residual hearing are divided into two groups: One group will receive image-guided electrode selection and anatomy-based fitting, and the control group will be treated with standard electrode and fitting. Quality of life, tinnitus burden and psychological comorbidities of the affected persons are analyzed via validated questionnaires.

The aim of this project is to improve the CI fitting of patients with residual hearing loss by individualized, image-based planning and anatomy-based fitting of the CI with the support of the planning software Otoplan as well as the intraoperative measurement of cochlear microphonics (CM) in patients with residual hearing loss.

The research project is conducted under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Heidi Olze, Director Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Charite – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

The study covers a three-year period (2023-2025). The German Foundation Tinnitus and Hearing Charité thanks the company MED-EL. 

The project summary will follow the completion of the project at the end of 2025.