Intracochlear electrode array position and cochlear implant outcomes using the nucleus slim modiolar electrode and the extended round window approach: a follow-up study

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intracochlear position of the Slim Modiolar Electrode (SME) after insertion via the extended Round Window (eRW) approach, and to correlate this with residual hearing preservation and speech perception outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-three adult participants, consecutively implanted with the SME via the eRW approach, were included in this prospective, single-center, observational study. Electrode position was evaluated intra-operatively using X-ray fluoroscopy and TIM measurement, and post-operatively using ultra-high resolution CT. Residual hearing [threshold shift in PTA between pre- and post-operative measurement, relative hearing preservation (RHP%)] and speech perception were evaluated at 2 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: In each of the 23 participants, complete scala tympani positioning of the electrode array could be achieved. In one participant, an initial tip fold-over was corrected during surgery. Average age at implantation was 63.3 years (SD 13.3, range 28–76) and mean preoperative residual hearing was 81.5 dB. The average post-operative PTA threshold shift was 16.2 dB (SD 10.8) at 2 months post-operatively, corresponding with a RHP% score of 44% (SD 34.9). At 12 months, the average RHP% score decreased to 37%. Postoperative phoneme scores improved from 27.1% preoperatively, to 72.1% and 82.1% at 2 and 12 months after surgery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Use of the eRW approach results in an increased likelihood of complete scala tympani insertion when inserting the SME, with subsequent excellent levels of speech perception. However, residual hearing preservation was found to be moderate, possibly as a result of the extended round window approach, emphasizing that it is not an all-purpose approach for inserting this particular electrode array.