title: Electric acoustic stimulation of the auditory system: results of a multi-centre investigation.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  A high rate of hearing preservation during cochlear implantation for electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) is possible, even when surgery is conducted by a number of different surgeons.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the degree of hearing preservation using surgery for EAS in a European multi-centre clinical investigation. It also aimed to demonstrate the effect of EAS in individuals with residual low frequency hearing, both on speech perception and on subjective quality of life measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen patients with profound high frequency hearing loss were recruited in five participating European centres. Subjects were assessed based on an audiologic test battery, as well as on a subjective hearing aid benefit questionnaire. Each subject underwent attempted hearing preservation cochlear implantation using the MED-EL C40 + device with a Medium electrode. Residual ipsilateral hearing and speech discrimination abilities were assessed at defined intervals up to 12 months after the combined electric-acoustic mode was introduced.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that some degree of hearing preservation was possible in 15718 patients. All subjects showed statistically significant benefit on all three speech perception tests over time. These significant benefits were also reflected in the subjective benefit outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. gstoettner@em.uni-frankfurt.de
authors.forename: Wolfgang K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Gstoettner
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van de Heyning
authors.forename: Alec Fitzgerald
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Constantino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morera
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sainz
authors.forename: Katrien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vermeire
authors.forename: Sonelle
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mcdonald
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cavallé
authors.forename: Silke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Helbig
authors.forename: Juan García
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Valdecasas
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Oliver F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Adunka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004867:Equipment Design; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013067:Speech Perception; D016896:Treatment Outcome