Effectiveness of hearing preservation interventions in cochlear implantation patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cochlear implantation (CI) is a well-recognized method for hearing restoration in patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Studies demonstrated that residual hearing, especially the low frequency range, can be preserved after CI. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide solid evidence based on systematic search regarding hearing preservation and hearing thresholds in CI recipients.

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Audiologists and cochlear implant surgeons should review these meta-analytic findings; specific hearing-preservation techniques (electrode type, insertion approach, steroid use) shown to be effective here could inform pre-surgical planning and patient counselling.

As more patients with residual hearing receive cochlear implants, evidence-based hearing preservation protocols are increasingly critical to maximising acoustic-electric combined hearing outcomes.

1. 01Systematic review and meta-analysis — the highest level of non-RCT evidence available.
2. 02Evaluated multiple hearing preservation interventions during cochlear implantation.
3. 03Population: patients with sensorineural hearing loss (inner-ear nerve damage) receiving cochlear implants.
4. 04Findings could directly inform surgical technique choices and peri-operative protocols.
5. 05Relevant to the growing 'hybrid' (electric + acoustic) hearing population.

PMID

42966797

DOI

10.1007/s00405-026-10758-z.

Journal

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Cochlear implantation patients with sensorineural hearing loss and residual low-frequency hearing

Intervention

Hearing preservation interventions during cochlear implantation (e.g., electrode design, insertion technique, pharmacological agents)

Comparator

Standard cochlear implantation without specific hearing preservation intervention