Relations Between Scalar Shift and Insertion Depth in Human Cochlear Implantation.

Objective: The intracochlear position of an electrode array may influence the outcome after cochlear implantation. The design of the electrode array can increase the risk of trauma causing penetration of the basilar membrane or shift of the electrode array into the scala vestibuli. The aim of the present study was to identify a scalar shift after implantation of two different electrode arrays developed by one manufacturer.

Microenvironmental support for cell delivery to the inner ear.

Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) presents a promising approach not only for the replacement of lost or degenerated cells in diseased organs but also for local drug delivery. It can potentially be used to enhance the safety and efficacy of inner ear surgeries such as cochlear implantation. Options for enhancing the effects of MSC therapy include modulating cell behaviour with customized bio-matrixes or modulating their behaviour by ex vivo transfection of the cells with a variety of genes.

Heat Shock Proteins in Human Perilymph: Implications for Cochlear Implantation.

Objective: Biomarkers reflecting the etiology and pathophysiology of inner ear diseases are limited. Evaluation of proteins in the perilymph may improve our understanding of inner ear disease. Heat shock proteins (HSP) belong to a superfamily of stress proteins and promote refolding of denatured proteins.

Cochlear implantation improves hearing and vertigo in patients after removal of vestibular schwannoma.

Objectives: With rising quality of speech perception in cochlear implant users, the indication widens. Nowadays, cochlear implantation is reasonable even in vestibular schwannoma patients. Speech perception with a cochlear implant is in these patients as promising as in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.

Human Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Improves Survival and Neurite Outgrowth of Spiral Ganglion Neurons In Vitro.

Background: Platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma (PRP and PPP) are autologous preparations from peripheral blood and contain several growth factors and cytokines involved in tissue repair. Although their neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties have been already described, little is known about their effects in the inner ear. We, therefore, examined the effects of PRP and PPP on spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) in vitro.

Biohybrid cochlear implants in human neurosensory restoration.

Background: The success of cochlear implantation may be further improved by minimizing implantation trauma. The physical trauma of implantation and subsequent immunological sequelae can affect residual hearing and the viability of the spiral ganglion. An ideal electrode should therefore decrease post-implantation trauma and provide support to the residual spiral ganglion population.