Comparing Hearing Outcomes With Personalized Place-Based Versus Default Cochlear Implant Maps

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new method for programming cochlear implants to better match the unique inner ear anatomy of each patient. This study compares the standard, generalized pitch-map used for all patients with a customized place-based pitch-map designed for individual cochlear structures. The goal is to see if the place-based map improves hearing outcomes such as speech recognition and spatial hearing in adults with sensorineural hearing loss or single-sided deafness. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the default clinical pitch-map or the place-based pitch-map, both programmed using MED-EL MAESTRO fitting software. Testing occurs at device activation about one month after surgery and at 1, 3, 6, 7 months, and 1 year post-activation. After six months, participants will try the alternative map for one month before choosing their preferred map to continue using until the final assessment at one year. During the study, participants will undergo various audiological assessments to measure their ability to recognize speech sounds, discern pitch variations, and localize sounds. Tests include word and vowel recognition, sentence understanding, sound quality, and spatial hearing questionnaires. Follow-up visits align with clinical schedules, and researchers will monitor changes in hearing performance over time to assess the impact of the customized mapping approach.

Place-based Cochlear Implant Mapping