Speech discrimination in relation to the wrapping factor of the Contour Advance electrode array

Objective The concept of increasing speech discrimination by bringing the electrode array closer to the modiolus is one aspect of electrode design. The influence on speech discrimination of the distance of one particular electrode array to the modiolus is therefore evaluated.

Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 384 ears implanted 2003-2013 with a Countour Advance electrode array by Cochlear. Post surgery, insertion depth in line of the electrode array and projection on the lateral wall was measured by DVT and multiplanar reconstruction. The wrapping factor was computed as the quotient of both measurements and set into relation with speech discrimination by mixed-effect-modelling.

Results As a result of the different sizes of the cochlea, the wrapping factor comprised values 0.6-0.89. The models constructed did not differ significantly in regard to measurements of entropy whether they included the wrapping factor or not. Therefore, no influence on speech discrimination could be found.

Conclusion When studying a particular kind of electrode array, no influence on speech discrimination could be identified. If this holds true for the comparison of perimodiolar and lateral wall electrodes remains to be seen.

Poster-PDF A-1722.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021