Evolution of impedance values in cochlear implant patients after early switch-on

Cochlear implantation is currently the most effective treatment modality for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Over the past few years, at the Department of Otolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan), cochlear implant devices have been switched on within 24 hours of their implantation. Differences in impedance evolution after early switch-on for different devices have not been previously discussed. The present study aimed to investigate the impedance evolution of one device and the factors influencing this after early activation. Results are compared to published results of other devices. A total of 16 patients who received Advanced Bionics(TM) devices and had early activation within 24 hours of implantation, were included in the study. Impedance telemetry was recorded intraoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. A stepwise increase was observed in the impedance evolution. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate the impedance evolution of the different devices after early switch-on within 24 hours of implantation and its influencing factors. Further research with a longitudinal design to compare the differences in electrode impedances between patients activated early versus those activated after a few weeks will be necessary for the disclosure of the underlying mechanisms.