Comparing two fitting strategies for cochlear implants in patients with hearing loss

Comparison of Speech Understanding Between a Tonotopy-based Bimodal Fitting and a Default Bimodal Fitting in Newly Cochlear-implanted Patients: a Double-blind Randomized Crossover Study.

Not applicable Interventional MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GesmbH · NCT05955469

This study is testing two different ways to set up cochlear implants for people with hearing loss to see which one helps them understand speech better in noisy places.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GesmbH Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Saint-Etienne)
Trial IDNCT05955469 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare a tonotopy-based fitting strategy (TFS4) with a conventional fitting strategy (FS4) in patients receiving cochlear implants combined with hearing aids. The primary focus is on assessing speech recognition in noisy environments, while secondary objectives include evaluating performance in quiet settings and overall auditory skills. The study seeks to address the variability in outcomes experienced by bimodal users by optimizing the frequency matching between the cochlear implant and the hearing aid. Participants will undergo both fitting strategies to determine which provides better auditory outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are French speakers and meet the criteria for cochlear implantation.

Not a fit: Patients with retro-cochlear pathologies or significant residual hearing in the contralateral ear may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance speech recognition and overall auditory experience for patients using cochlear implants and hearing aids.

How similar studies have performed: While there is variability in outcomes for bimodal users, this approach is innovative and aims to improve existing fitting strategies, suggesting potential for success based on previous findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (\>= 18 years old) speaking French
* Patient who fulfils the criteria for cochlear implantation

Exclusion Criteria:

* retro-cochlear pathology: auditory neuropathy, vestibular schwannoma
* patient with residual hearing \< 70 dB hearing level (HL) at 500 Hz and 1000 Hz on the contralateral ear

Where this trial is running

Saint-Etienne

Study contacts

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.
Conditions Sensorineural Hearing Loss, BilateralBilateral Hearing LossCochlear implantBimodal fittingAnatomy-based fitting
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.