Introduction:
A few years ago was the Implantation with so-called biohybrid electrodes introduced
in our clinic. These electrodes coated with autologous mononuclear, anti-inflammatory
and neuroprotective factors producing cells should reduce the insertion trauma and
maintain the vitality of the still vital nerve cells of the spiral ganglion. The clinical
feasibility of this approach has already been demonstrated. In the present retrospective
study are compared the two-year results of the two sides (classical electrode and
biohybrid electrode) in the bilaterally implanted patients in order to investigate
the possible adverse long-term effects.
Methods:
All patients received a complete audiological diagnosis which also included a speech
audiogram and an impedance measurement. The measurements were carried out 1 month,
3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after implantation. The hearing result was
assessed in the speech audiogram.
Result: All four patients showed satisfactory speech understanding and similar impedances
on both sides although they had a long-term deafness before implantation. The results
of the speech understanding and the impedance measurement were stable for years. Complications
were not registered in any patient.
Conclusion:
Due to the similar results of the biohybrid electrode with a classical electrode,
it is considered to be a safe option in the cochlear implant restoration. The simplicity
of development and introduction of this electrode with application of autologous cells
as a source of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective Factors is the key step for cell-based,
regenerative therapies for deafness.
