Electrophysiologically-based electrode selection has the potential to improve speech perception in cochlear-implant users

There is large variability in speech perception outcomes across cochlear-implant (CI) users. One factor that contributes to this variation is the neural modulation encoding in the periphery, which can vary along the implant electrode array....

Electrophysiology-based electrode selection is a promising approach to improving cochlear implant (CI) programming, but current evidence is preliminary; audiologists should monitor emerging protocols before adopting routine clinical changes.

Reducing outcome variability in cochlear implant users is one of the field's central challenges, and objective electrophysiological fitting strategies could offer a more consistent, patient-tailored programming pathway.

1. 01Electrophysiology-based electrode selection may improve speech perception in CI users by optimizing neural modulation encoding.
2. 02The approach targets a key driver of CI outcome variability — poor electrode-to-nerve interface at specific sites.
3. 03Published in Hearing Research, a peer-reviewed audiology journal.
4. 04Findings suggest objective measures could supplement or partially replace subjective CI mapping.
5. 05Clinical translation will require prospective trials with standardized protocols before widespread adoption.

PMID

42413172

DOI

10.1016/j.heares.2026.109737.

Journal

Hearing Research

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Cochlear implant users with variable speech perception outcomes

Intervention

Electrophysiology-based electrode selection for cochlear implant programming

Comparator

Standard (non-electrophysiology-guided) electrode selection or mapping