The technological advance in Cochlear Implant reimplantation

Introduction

Since usage of Multichannel-Cochlear Implants (=CI) a lot of research-efforts has been put into to improve technology of implants. Various reasons can result to reimplantation. In this case old models will be exchanged to latest generation of implants. The question arises whether newest technology will give more benefit for users.

Methods

76 Reimplantations in adults and children from all patients treated in one hospital were analyzed in retrospect. They were first supplied with an implant of old generation (Advanced Bionics (=AB) Clarion, Cochlear (=Co.) Nucleus (=Ncl.) CI22 Mini22, MedEl C40/+) and later recieved a reimplantation with a CI of latest technology (AB HiRes Ultra, Co. Ncl. CI500, MedEl Synchrony).

Results

The most explanted CI was AB Clarion (1.0, 1.2, magnetless, CII), followed by Co. Ncl. CI22 Mini22. It was mostly replaced by Co. Ncl. CI512, followed by AB HiRes Ultra, Ultra 3D, MedEl Synchrony 1/2 (Flex28, Flex24, Standard) and Co. Ncl. CI532.

The indications were by decreasing order Soft-Failures, Upgrade, Hard-Failures and medical reasons. It was evaluated by „Einteilung der klinischen Indikationsstellung zur Ex-/Reimplantation eines Cochlea-Implantates nach Tschammer“.

In 50,75% of all examined cases the best determined hearing performance has been set with the old CI, in 35,82% with the new CI and in 13,43% it was equal in comparision between the old and new CI. 

Conclusions

In progressing operating life of a CI the proability of a reimplantation increases. In every case it has to be appraised whether the reimplantation should be performed. Despite technological advancement there is some risk of a decrease in hearing performance.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022