Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices which restore the ability to hear to the hearing impaired. While remarkably successful, even in the best of performers restoration of hearing to levels of normal listeners is unusual. Approximately 3 weeks after surgery, cochlear implants are activated via mapping - a process in which each individual electrode (FDA approved cochlear implants have between 12 and 22 electrodes) is turned on and the stimulus level adjusted to a level that is comfortable and beneficial to the recipient. At present, this standard of care mapping procedure is performed without knowledge of the physical location between the cochlear implant electrodes and the neural interface. The research team has developed a new method of mapping using post-operative CT scans and image processing to specify the physical relationship between the cochlear implant electrodes and the neural interface allowing customized mapping. Using this information, the investigators deactivate sub-optimally positioned electrodes. The investigators term this "Image-guided Cochlear Implant Programming" (IGCIP). The study collects data in a prospective fashion for those CI recipient undergoing IGCIP.
Over 320,000 individuals have received cochlear implants (CIs) to restore hearing to the hearing impaired. Commercially available CIs have 12, 16, or 22 independent electrodes (the number is dependent on the manufacturer of the CI) which cover the entire frequency spectrum of the cochlea from 20,000 Hertz (Hz) at the base of to 200Hz at the apex. After implantation, an audiologist individually adjusts stimulation levels of each electrode following which all electrodes are turned on such that the whole frequency spectrum of speech can be appreciated. This is known as "standard of care" (SOC) pr…
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 90 years that have undergone diagnostic testing for sensorineural hearing loss and have received a cochlear implant with asymptotic improvement in performance with SOC programming will be considered eligible for the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years or \> 90 years * Non-English speaking (because our audiological speech testing battery is validated for English speakers) * Pregnancy which is a contraindication for elective CT scanning and surgery
Post Cochlear Implant surgery, participant will receive traditional activation and programming per routine. IGCIP will be used to offer alternative programming of the implant.
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