Investigating how hearing monitoring during cochlear implant surgery can preserve residual hearing

Clinical Utility of Residual Hearing in the Cochlear Implant Ear

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT04707885

This study tests if using a special hearing monitor during cochlear implant surgery can help people with some hearing loss keep their remaining hearing and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Rochester, Minnesota and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04707885 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized multi-center investigation focusing on the use of an intraoperative hearing monitoring system, specifically electrocochleography, to help preserve residual hearing in patients undergoing cochlear implantation. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this monitoring system in minimizing trauma during the implant insertion process, which is a common cause of hearing loss in candidates who do not have complete deafness. By providing real-time feedback to surgeons, the trial seeks to improve hearing preservation rates and evaluate the benefits of combined hearing from hearing aids and cochlear implants on speech perception and quality of life. The trial includes adults aged 18-79 with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who have limited benefit from conventional amplification.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-79 with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who have limited benefit from hearing aids.

Not a fit: Patients with complete deafness or those who do not meet the specific hearing loss criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved hearing preservation for cochlear implant patients, enhancing their overall auditory experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using intraoperative monitoring systems for hearing preservation, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
2. Adults, males and females, ages 18 -79 who have a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with postlingual onset.
3. Minimum of 30 days experience with appropriately fit binaural amplification (standardized National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) fitting method) verified with real ear measurements within 5 dB SPL of targets.
4. Limited benefit from conventional amplification in the best aided condition as defined by test scores of:

   1. The ear to implanted: Consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) words ≤ 60% or AzBio sentences (+10, +5 dB SNR ≤ 60% correct)
   2. Contralateral ear: ≤ 80% on CNC words or AzBio sentences (+10, +5 dB SNR ≤ 80% correct)
5. Low frequency Pure Tone Average (PTA- 125, 250, 500 Hz) ≤ 55 dB HL in the ear to be implanted.
6. Severe to profound mid to high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (threshold average of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz ≥75 dB HL) in the ear to be implanted.
7. Low frequency PTA ≤ 55 dB HL sloping to moderately severe to profound mid-to high frequency sensorineural hearing loss (threshold average of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 Hz ≥ 60 dB) in the contralateral ear.
8. Proficient in English.
9. Undergoing implantation with a current generation CI device from either Cochlear Limited or Advanced Bionics AG.

   1. Cochlear Limited devices include: Nucleus CI612, CI622, CI632, CI624
   2. Advanced Bionics AG devices include: HiFocus SlimJ, Mid-Scala
10. Stated willingness and ability to complete testing and all associated study visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous cochlear implantation.
2. Prelingual onset of hearing loss.
3. Abnormal inner ear anatomy on CT imaging.
4. Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.
5. Retrocochlear pathology such as a vestibular schwannoma or stroke.
6. Unwillingness or inability to comply with all investigational requirements including the randomization process.
7. Additional medical, or social barriers that would prevent completion of all study requirements.
8. Medical condition contraindicated for surgery.
9. Device selection of Med El CI (per the patient's selection).

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota and 4 other locations

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 Hearing Loss, SensorineuralHearing LossHearing Loss, Bilateral
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.