Lateral Wall Versus Perimodiolar Electrodes for Hearing Preservation in Cochlear Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To compare hearing preservation (HP) outcomes between lateral wall (LW) and perimodiolar (PM) cochlear implant electrode arrays. DATABASES REVIEWED: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for studies published between January 2018 and April 2025.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Cochlear implant surgeons and audiologists should review this meta-analysis when counseling candidates about electrode array choice for hearing preservation; findings may refine electrode selection protocols for patients with residual hearing.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Preserving residual acoustic hearing during cochlear implantation is increasingly prioritized, and a definitive comparative evidence base for electrode array type directly influences surgical and programming decisions.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Systematic review and meta-analysis comparing lateral wall vs. perimodiolar electrode arrays for hearing preservation.
02Databases searched: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus.
03Hearing preservation is a key outcome given the trend toward combined electric-acoustic stimulation.
04Results may guide electrode selection in patients with residual low-frequency hearing.
05Published in Otology & Neurotology (doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004953).

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Lateral wall and perimodiolar electrode arrays differ in hearing preservation outcomes in cochlear implantation.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42225143
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004953.
Journal: Otology & Neurotology
Publication type: meta_analysis
Evidence level: 1a
Population: Cochlear implant recipients with residual hearing enrolled in prior studies
Intervention: Lateral wall cochlear implant electrode arrays
Comparator: Perimodiolar cochlear implant electrode arrays

Primary outcomes

Hearing preservation post-cochlear implantation

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