Slimmer electrodes were developed by cochlear implant companies under the premise of hearing preservation (HP). Electrode types included stylet-curved electrodes sheath-curved electrodes, and straight-flexible electrodes. Previous reviews did not compare sheath and straight electrodes. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies reporting hearing preservation in cochlear implant patients. Only studies that reported on the CI632 / CI532 sheath design slim modiolar electrodes (SME) and the CI622 / CI522 slim straight electrodes (SSE) from Cochlear Ltd. (Australia) were included. Fifteen observational studies and one randomised controlled trial were included. The overall short-term (less than four months) HP rate for SSE was 68.7%, decreasing to approximately 56% in the long term (4–12 months). For SME, the HP rate remained around 59% in both the short and long term. The authors concluded that both SME and SSE have similar HP ability in both the short and long terms. It would have been helpful to have longer follow-up data. However, considering the results of this review, and with risks of tip fold-over in modiolar electrodes, it might be better to use the slim straight ones.
Cochlear implant – should we follow the curve?
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