The within-subject design provides higher-quality comparative data on electrode performance than between-subject studies; audiologists and surgical teams should note the findings when counseling patients on electrode selection, though real-world implant choice is constrained by anatomy and surgeon preference.

Electrode design selection is one of the few modifiable surgical variables in cochlear implantation, and within-subject comparisons are the most rigorous way to isolate its effect on outcomes.

1. 01Intrapatient (within-subject) design eliminates individual variability, strengthening the electrode comparison.
2. 02Compares perimodiolar electrodes (closer to nerve fibers) versus lateral wall electrodes (along the outer cochlear wall).