Study of Hearing and Music Perception with Different Cochlear Implant Electrode Stimulation Depths Using MED-ELs FineHearing Strategy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who have recently received a cochlear implant using the MED-EL device and its FineHearing strategy. The study aims to find out whether activating more apical electrodes, which stimulate the deeper areas of the cochlea, improves musical perception compared to activating more basal electrodes. Secondary goals include evaluating effects on speech recognition, frequency threshold differences, and subjective sound quality. Participants will use the FineHearing strategy in two different ways during the study. In one month, the cochlear implant will activate 10 additional apical electrodes, followed by one month activating 10 additional basal electrodes, or vice versa, depending on random assignment. This is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study where each participant experiences both stimulation settings. During the study, participants will be assessed one and two months after activation using qualitative music perception tests with audio links, speech recognition tests in quiet, differential frequency threshold measures, and sound quality questionnaires. These assessments help researchers compare how well each stimulation depth supports hearing performance. The total study participation covers at least two months of device use with regular evaluations of auditory outcomes and subjective hearing experiences.

Auditory Performances With Different Stimulation Depths in Cochlear Implanted Subjects Using a Fine Structure Strategy