Word recognition following implantation of conventional and 10-mm hybrid electrodes.

We compared the effectiveness of 2 surgical interventions for improving word recognition ability in a quiet environment among patients who presented with: (1) bilateral, precipitously sloping, high-frequency hearing loss; (2) relatively good auditory thresholds at and below 500 Hz, and (3) poor speech recognition. In 1 intervention (n = 25), a conventional electrode array was inserted into 1 cochlea. As a consequence, hearing was lost in the implanted ear.

Hybrid cochlear implantation: clinical results and critical review in 13 cases.

Objective: To substantiate the benefits of hybrid cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with residual low-frequency hearing.

Study Design: Prospective study of patients in a manufacturer-sponsored clinical trial.

Setting: Independent referral center for CI.

Preliminary ossiculoplasty results using the Kurz titanium prostheses.

Objective: Limitations in biocompatibility and hearing improvement with ossicular chain reconstruction prostheses are addressed with new, lightweight titanium prostheses designed to maximize visualization of the capitulum and footplate regions. The effectiveness of these new prostheses is being tested in a prospective multicenter study.

Study Design: Prospective case series.