Entirely robotic cochlear implant surgery.

Introduction: Robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery (RACIS) as defined by the HEARO®-procedure performs minimal invasive cochlear implant (CI) surgery by directly drilling a keyhole trajectory towards the inner ear. Hitherto, an entirely robotic automation including electrode insertion has not been described yet. The feasability of using a newly developed, dedicated motorised device for automated electrode insertion in the first clinical case of entirely robotic cochlear implant surgery was investigated.

Analysis of congenital hearing loss after neonatal hearing screening.

Introduction: Neonates undergo neonatal hearing screening to detect congenital hearing loss at an early stage. Once confirmed, it is necessary to perform an etiological workup to start appropriate treatment. The study objective was to assess the different etiologies, risk factors, and hearing results of infants with permanent hearing loss and to evaluate the efficacy and consequences of the different screening devices over the last 21 years.

True keyhole cochlear implant surgery.

Introduction: Minimal invasive Robotic Assisted Cochlear Implant Surgery (RACIS) is a keyhole surgery by definition. It is therefore not possible to visualize the electrode array during insertion in the scala tympani. Hitherto, surgeons visualised the round window via the external auditory canal by folding over the tympanic membrane.

Audiological outcomes of robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery.

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the short-term and long-term audiological outcomes in patients who underwent cochlear implantation with a robot-assisted system to enable access to the cochlea, and to compare outcomes with a matched control group of patients who underwent cochlear implantation with conventional access to the cochlea.

Methods: In total, 23 patients were implanted by robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery (RACIS). To evaluate the effectiveness of robotic surgery in terms of audiological outcomes, a statistically balanced control group of conventionally implanted patients was created.

Evaluation of a Less Invasive Cochlear Implant Surgery in Mutations Provoking Deafblindness.

Cochlear implantation (CI) for deafblindness may have more impact than for non-syndromic hearing loss. Deafblind patients have a double handicap in a society that is more and more empowered by fast communication. CI is a remedy for deafness, but requires revision surgery every 20 to 25 years, and thus placement should be minimally invasive.

Audiological benefit and subjective satisfaction of children with the ADHEAR audio processor and adhesive adapter.

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the audiological benefit of the ADHEAR system in a group of children with a uni- or bilateral conductive hearing loss (CHL) during a short-term exposure of three weeks, and to compare it to a conventional bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA) on a softband. The secondary aim was to assess the quality of life improvement and patient satisfaction with the ADHEAR system.

Methods And Materials: The study was designed as a prospective study with repeated measures, where each subject served as his/her own control.