Outcomes in adults implanted with the FLEXsoft electrode.
CONCLUSIONS
Achieving deep insertions, as well as good speech perception results, the FLEXsoft electrode array allows for some preservation in subjects with measurable low frequency hearing, even after a period of time. This opens the door for future research in electrode design, hearing preservation research and drug delivery systems.


OBJECTIVE
The FLEXsoft electrode is designed to be atraumatic to the structures of the cochlea during deep insertion of a cochlear implant electrode. This paper reports on the surgical and functional outcomes in implantations with the FLEXsoft electrode array.


METHODS
Twenty-three adult subjects received a FLEXsoft electrode array and were assessed on speech perception tests (monosyllables, sentences in quiet and in noise), a subjective questionnaire (Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire) and a pure-tone audiogram. Results at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post first fitting were compared to scores from the preoperative interval.


RESULTS
Surgery was uneventful in all cases, the surgical handling was satisfactory and correct position of the electrode was achieved in all cases. Hearing could be preserved (as determined by the audiogram) in half of the subjects who had measurable audiograms preoperatively at the 1 month test interval, and in a quarter of subjects after 12 months of device use, despite deep insertion of the electrode. Speech perception scores showed significant improvement over time, as did quality of life scores, and were comparable to results with the standard electrode array as used in the COMBI 40+ and PULSARCI100.
Baumgartner
Wolf-Dieter
WD
AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria. wolf-dieter.baumgartner@univie.ac.at
Jappel
Alexandra
A
Morera
Constantino
C
Gstöttner
Wolfgang
W
Müller
Joachim
J
Kiefer
Jan
J
Van De Heyning
Paul
P
Anderson
Ilona
I
Nielsen
Stefan Bryde
SB
D000328:Adult; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome