Impedance triggered therapeutic intervention after cochlear implantation

Summary We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. However, even after an atraumatic surgery, many patients lose their residual hearing function in the following weeks. The loss of this hearing is often accompanied by a sudden, drastic increase in the electrical impedance of the implant. The purpose of this project is to test whether the monitoring of electrical impedances can be used to trigger a therapeutic intervention to prevent subsequent hearing loss.

Project Details

A goal of modern cochlear implantation is to protect any natural, residual hearing the patient may have. Despite advances in electrode design and “soft surgery” techniques, up to 70% of implant recipients lose this hearing. We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. However, even after an atraumatic surgery, many patients lose their residual hearing function in the following weeks. The loss of this hearing is often accompanied by a sudden, drastic increase in the electrical impedance of the implant. The purpose of this project is to test whether the monitoring of electrical impedances can be used to trigger a therapeutic intervention to prevent subsequent hearing loss. The project aims for the translation of research conducted in the department into improving clinical outcomes, during which you will be working closely with cochlear implant recipients as well as our industry partner (Cochlear Ltd).