Cochlear implantation for older adults with single-sided deafness

Cochlear Implantation in the Single-Sided Deafness in the Medicare Population

NA · Med-El Corporation · NCT05250414

This study is testing if cochlear implants can help older adults with hearing loss in one ear hear better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMed-El Corporation (industry)
Locations3 sites (Iowa City, Iowa and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05250414 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of cochlear implantation in adults aged 65 and older who have unilateral profound hearing loss. It is a multi-center, single-subject, repeated measures study involving three sites in the United States and Canada. A total of fifteen subjects will be enrolled and followed for 12 months after receiving the MED-EL Cochlear Implant System. The study aims to assess improvements in hearing and quality of life for participants post-implantation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older with unilateral profound hearing loss and normal hearing in the non-implanted ear.

Not a fit: Patients with a duration of profound hearing loss of 10 years or more or sudden onset hearing loss within six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve hearing and communication abilities for older adults with single-sided deafness.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with cochlear implantation in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 65 years of age or older at the time of implantation
* Unilateral profound hearing loss, as defined by a pure-tone average (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) of 90 dB or greater in the ear to be implanted
* Sensorineural hearing loss in the ear to be implanted, as defined by an air-bone gap less than or equal to 10 dB at two or more frequencies out of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz
* Normal or near-normal hearing in the non-implanted ear, as defined by a pure-tone average (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) of 30 dB or less
* Word recognition in the ear to be implanted of 5% or less on CNC word score in quiet
* Previous experience with an appropriately-fit CROS, BI-CROS, bone conduction, or traditional hearing aid, as deemed appropriate by investigator
* Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Duration of profound hearing loss of 10 years or more
* Sudden onset of hearing loss within six months of implantation
* Evidence of non-functional cochlear nerve or other retrocochlear hearing loss
* Evidence of severe cochlear malformation (i.e., common cavity or ossification)
* External or middle ear infection
* Suspected cognitive concern
* Other medical contraindication for surgery or anesthesia

Where this trial is running

Iowa City, Iowa and 2 other locations

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hearing Loss, Unilateral

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.