To evaluate the impact of anatomy-based planning (ABP) and individualized electrode array selection on cochlear implant outcomes, and to compare the effectiveness of precision-guided approaches versus conventional clinician-driven programming strategies. DATA SOURCES: Systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were conducted for studies published between January 2000 and June 2025. REVIEW
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Anatomy-based planning and individualised electrode array selection appear to improve cochlear implant outcomes; audiologists and implant teams should consider integrating ABP protocols into pre-surgical workflows where imaging and surgical expertise permit.
A shift toward precision otologic medicine—tailoring cochlear implant electrode choice to individual cochlear anatomy—could meaningfully raise the floor of post-implant hearing performance across the field.
- 01Anatomy-based planning (ABP) involves selecting cochlear implant electrodes based on each patient's individual cochlear dimensions.
- 02Meta-analysis pools evidence across multiple studies to evaluate ABP's impact on hearing outcomes.
- 03Individualised electrode array selection was associated with improved cochlear implant outcomes.
- 04ABP represents a move toward precision medicine in cochlear implantation, a growing trend in the field.
- 05Findings may influence pre-surgical imaging protocols and electrode selection criteria in implant centres.
Anatomy-based planning and individualised electrode array selection improve cochlear implant outcomes.
studysupportedPrecision otologic medicine through ABP represents an advance over standard cochlear implant planning.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42543436
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00405-026-10508-1.
- Journal
- European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Cochlear implant recipients across multiple studies
- Intervention
- Anatomy-based planning with individualised electrode array selection for cochlear implantation
- Comparator
- Standard cochlear implant planning without individualised electrode selection
Primary outcomes
Cochlear implant hearing outcomes; Impact of electrode array selection on post-implant performance