The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of early activation of a cochlear implant in terms of both effectiveness and safety.
Early cochlear implant activation appears feasible based on electrophysiology and audiometric outcomes, but this is a feasibility study — clinics should await larger controlled trials before routinely shortening the standard post-surgical activation window.
If validated, early activation protocols could reduce patient waiting time for hearing rehabilitation and improve overall satisfaction with cochlear implantation.
- 01Feasibility study tested an accelerated (early) cochlear implant activation protocol post-surgery.
- 02Electrophysiology measures, audiometric outcomes, and patient satisfaction were all evaluated.
- 03Early activation showed acceptable safety and effectiveness signals in this initial study.
- 04Shorter time to hearing rehabilitation could meaningfully improve patient experience.
- 05Larger controlled studies are needed before routine clinical adoption of early activation.
Early activation of a cochlear implant is feasible and does not compromise electrophysiological or audiometric outcomes.
studypartially supportedPatient satisfaction is maintained or improved with an accelerated cochlear implant activation protocol.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42404181
- DOI
- 10.1055/a-2655-3468.
- Journal
- HNO
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 4
- Population
- Cochlear implant recipients undergoing post-surgical activation
- Intervention
- Early (accelerated) cochlear implant activation protocol
Primary outcomes
Electrophysiological measures (e.g., ECAP thresholds); Audiometric outcomes; Patient satisfaction scores