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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
DOI: 10.1055/a-2655-3468
Original Article

Feasibility of Early Activation of a Cochlear Implant: Study of Electrophysiology, Audiometry, and Patient Satisfaction Data

Florian Bonnafous 
1   ENT Department, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
,
Abdulaziz Alghamdi
1   ENT Department, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
,
Solenn Virazels
2   School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
,
Karine Aubry
1   ENT Department, Limoges University Hospital Center, Limoges, France
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Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of early activation of a cochlear implant in terms of both effectiveness and safety.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on a series of patients who had cochlear implant surgery between April 2018 and June 2023. In the early activation group (EA) 25 patients were included, with activation performed on days 0 to 1 post-implantation, and 14 patients were included in the control group (C), who underwent traditional activation between days 15 and 35 post-implantation. Impedance values, speech intelligibility thresholds at 60 dB, and processor usage time in each group were recorded at activation and on days 30, 60, and 90 post-implantations. The EA group also underwent a prospective satisfaction assessment.

Results

We did not observe any statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding medium-term impedance evolution, speech intelligibility, or processor usage time. A significant improvement in satisfaction results was noted in the EA group. No complications related to early activation were observed.

Conclusion

Based on our study results, early activation of a cochlear implant is a reliable technique that improves patient satisfaction without affecting electrophysiological and audiological outcomes or increasing the risk of complications.

Keywords

cochlear implantation - early activation - impedance - electrophysiology


Publication History

Received: 23 February 2025

Accepted: 12 July 2025

Article published online:
25 July 2025

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