Electrode-Modiolar Distance as a Determinant of Cochlear Implant Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To quantify the relationship between electrode-modiolar distance (EMD) and cochlear implant (CI) performance across speech/perceptual, electrophysiological and programming outcomes and to characterize the dose-response effect of EMD.

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Surgeons and audiologists managing cochlear implant recipients should note that closer electrode-modiolar proximity is associated with better speech perception and more favourable electrophysiological outcomes; this systematic review supports prioritising perimodiolar electrode designs where clinically appropriate.

This meta-analysis provides the strongest pooled evidence to date that electrode-modiolar distance is a clinically meaningful determinant of cochlear implant outcomes, potentially influencing electrode selection and surgical technique guidelines.

1. 01Systematic review and meta-analysis of electrode-modiolar distance (EMD) as a cochlear implant (CI) performance factor.
2. 02Outcomes assessed included speech/perceptual performance, electrophysiological measures, and programming parameters.
3. 03Closer modiolar proximity generally associated with better CI performance across outcome categories.
4. 04Findings support perimodiolar electrode designs over straight/lateral wall arrays in eligible candidates.
5. 05Published in Clinical Otolaryngology; highest evidence level (1a) for a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PMID

42914132

DOI

10.1111/coa.70183.

Journal

Clinical Otolaryngology

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Cochlear implant recipients across multiple studies

Intervention

Perimodiolar / closer electrode-modiolar distance cochlear implant placement

Comparator

Lateral wall / greater electrode-modiolar distance placement