Anatomy-Based Fitting
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Jennifer Robinson is joined by Dr. Anja Kurz and Dr. Margaret Dillon for an in‑depth look at anatomy‑based fitting (ABF) and its role in reducing frequency–place mismatch. Together, they explore what makes ABF so impactful—from the underlying science to everyday clinical challenges—and discuss recent findings that show how individualized frequency alignment can improve listening comfort, sound quality, and speech comprehension. Literature Links: Buchman CA, Dillon MT, King ER, Adunka MC, Adunka OF, Pillsbury HC. Influence of cochlear implant insertion depth on...
info_outline
Individualized Cochlear Implantation
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Peter Nopp is joined by Prof. Griet Mertens and Dr. Masoud Zoka Assadi to explore individualized cochlear implantation, from anatomy-based electrode selection to anatomy-based fitting. They also explain how OTOPLAN supports clinicians before and after surgery by visualizing the patient’s unique cochlea, guiding electrode selection, and calculating frequencies tonotopically for a precise postoperative fitting. Literature Links: Creff G, Lambert C, Coudert P, Pean V, Laurent S, Godey B. Comparison of Tonotopic and Default Frequency Fitting for Speech Understanding in Noise...
info_outline
Stimulating the Entire Cochlea – Why It Matters
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Ilona Anderson and Professor Paul Van de Heyning discuss why stimulating the entire cochlea is key to achieving natural hearing with cochlear implants — and how this approach improves music enjoyment as well as overall quality of life for patients. Weblinks:
info_outline
Cochlear Anatomy and Its Implications for CI Stimulation
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Marcus Schmidt is joined by Prof. Sumit Agrawal and Dr. Peter Nopp to explore how cochlear anatomy shapes cochlear implant design and performance. They discuss breakthrough synchrotron imaging, the variability in cochlear size and structure, and why deep insertion and full cochlear coverage matter for natural, rich sound. Weblinks: Literature Links: Büchner A, Weller T, Penninger RT, Helpard L, Ladak HM, Agrawal S, Lenarz T, Schurzig D. The Greenwood function shows close alignment with pitch perceived by cochlear implant patients with long, flexible electrode...
info_outline
Closest to Natural Hearing - The Concept
MED-EL Podcast
In this first episode, Marcus Schmidt and Jennifer Robinson unpack what closest to natural hearing means, why it matters for cochlear implant users, and how MED-EL’s unique technology is designed to replicate the way we naturally hear. Together, they explore the three pillars of closest to natural hearing that make this concept so powerful—and set our technology apart. Weblinks: (US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval confirming that there is sufficient evidence that MED-EL’s FLEX electrodes preserve residual functional hearing in the majority of recipients)
info_outline
Unlocking the Power of the AudioKey 3 App
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger and Lukas Osl from Product Management delve into the AudioKey 3 app. This innovative tool has many features that make managing hearing settings on the SONNET 3 audio processor easier and more convenient. Tune in to hear expert insights and practical tips for getting the most out of the AudioKey 3 app.
info_outline
Direct Audio Streaming With SONNET 3
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger explores the innovative direct streaming capabilities of SONNET 3 with Max Röder, an advanced development engineer at MED-EL and bilateral CI recipient. They discuss how settings are optimized for different situations, how phone calls are managed, use of AudioLink XT, and much more. Tune in to find out how these features enhance users’ experiences.
info_outline
The Ergonomic Design of SONNET 3
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Maximilian Schwaninger, Product Manager for SONNET 3, discusses the groundbreaking ergonomics of MED-EL’s latest behind-the-ear audio processor with Chris Lilienweiß, one of the first SONNET 3 users and Head of Music and User Experience at MED-EL Germany. They highlight how innovative features like the flexible ear-hook and the touch key are transforming users’ experiences and comfort.
info_outline
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Hearing Loss
MED-EL Podcast
Michelle Dampf, an experienced speech-language pathologist at the University of Missouri Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment, shares her in-depth knowledge on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She addresses the challenges to diagnosis and treatment of ASD and provides numerous recommendations for aural habilitationists working with children who are affected by this condition. Weblinks Watch the third episode of MED-EL's on our with captioning in English, Spanish, and German. There you can also access a free resource on Differential Diagnosis of ASD and hearing...
info_outline
All About Auditory Brainstem Implants for Rehabilitation Specialists
MED-EL Podcast
Julie Kosaner, a pediatric audiologist, teacher of the deaf, and MED-EL consultant, joins the vodcast series to share her wealth of knowledge on fitting and rehabilitation with auditory brainstem implants (ABIs). We discuss ABI’s early beginnings and her current thoughts on how patients with ABIs can achieve the best audiological and intervention outcomes. Weblinks Watch the second episode of MED-EL's , available with English, Spanish, and German captions, on the with your free account. There you can also access a free resource on ABIs and view videos of ABI recipients.
info_outlineIn this episode, Jennifer Robinson is joined by Dr. Anja Kurz and Dr. Margaret Dillon for an in‑depth look at anatomy‑based fitting (ABF) and its role in reducing frequency–place mismatch. Together, they explore what makes ABF so impactful—from the underlying science to everyday clinical challenges—and discuss recent findings that show how individualized frequency alignment can improve listening comfort, sound quality, and speech comprehension.
Literature Links:
Buchman CA, Dillon MT, King ER, Adunka MC, Adunka OF, Pillsbury HC. Influence of cochlear implant insertion depth on performance: a prospective randomized trial. Otol Neurotol. 2014 Dec;35(10):1773-9. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000000541. PMID: 25122601.
Canfarotta MW, Dillon MT, Buchman CA, Buss E, O'Connell BP, Rooth MA, King ER, Pillsbury HC, Adunka OF, Brown KD. Long-Term Influence of Electrode Array Length on Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users. Laryngoscope. 2021 Apr;131(4):892-897. doi: 10.1002/lary.28949. Epub 2020 Aug 1. PMID: 32738069; PMCID: PMC7855603.
Dillon MT, Canfarotta MW, Buss E, Rooth MA, Richter ME, Overton AB, Roth NE, Dillon SM, Raymond JH, Young A, Pearson AC, Davis AG, Dedmon MM, Brown KD, O'Connell BP. Influence of Electric Frequency-to-Place Mismatches on the Early Speech Recognition Outcomes for Electric-Acoustic Stimulation Users. Am J Audiol. 2023 Mar;32(1):251-260. doi: 10.1044/2022_AJA-21-00254. Epub 2023 Feb 17. PMID: 36800505; PMCID: PMC10166189.
Dillon MT, Buss E, Richter ME, Brown KD. Effects of Interaural Latency and Frequency Mismatch on Speech Recognition for Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users. Laryngoscope. 2025 Jun;135(6):2139-2145. doi: 10.1002/lary.32026. Epub 2025 Jan 27. PMID: 39871523.
Kurz A, Müller-Graff FT, Hagen R, Rak K. One Click Is Not Enough: Anatomy-Based Fitting in Experienced Cochlear Implant Users. Otol Neurotol. 2022 Dec 1;43(10):1176-1180. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003731. PMID: 36351223.
Kurz A, Herrmann D, Hagen R, Rak K. Using Anatomy-Based Fitting to Reduce Frequency-to-Place Mismatch in Experienced Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users: A Promising Concept. J Pers Med. 2023 Jul 8;13(7):1109. doi: 10.3390/jpm13071109. PMID: 37511722; PMCID: PMC10381201.
Kurz A, Herrmann D, Müller-Graff FT, Voelker J, Hackenberg S, Rak K. Anatomy-based fitting improves speech perception in noise for cochlear implant recipients with single-sided deafness. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Jan;282(1):467-479. doi: 10.1007/s00405-024-08984-4.
Landsberger DM, Svrakic M, Roland JT Jr, Svirsky M. The Relationship Between Insertion Angles, Default Frequency Allocations, and Spiral Ganglion Place Pitch in Cochlear Implants. Ear Hear. 2015 Sep-Oct;36(5):e207-13. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000163. PMID: 25860624; PMCID: PMC4549170.
Lee SE, Brown KD, Overton AB, Thompson NJ, Sloop AD, Richter ME, Canfarotta MW, Selleck AM, Dedmon MM, Dillon MT. Association of Tonotopic Mismatch With the Speech Recognition of Cochlear Implant Users With Unilateral Hearing Loss. Otol Neurotol. 2025 Sep 1;46(8):e302-e306. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004543. Epub 2025 May 15. PMID: 40423677.
Müller-Graff FT, Ilgen L, Schendzielorz P, Voelker J, Taeger J, Kurz A, Hagen R, Neun T, Rak K. Implementation of secondary reconstructions of flat-panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) and otological planning software for anatomically based cochlear implantation. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 May;279(5):2309-2319. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06924-0. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34101009; PMCID: PMC8986679.
Müller-Graff FT, Voelker J, Kurz A, Hagen R, Neun T, Rak K. Accuracy of radiological prediction of electrode position with otological planning software and implications of high-resolution imaging. Cochlear Implants Int. 2023 May;24(3):144-154. doi: 10.1080/14670100.2022.2159128. Epub 2023 Jan 8. PMID: 36617441.
Müller-Graff FT, Spahn B, Herrmann DP, Kurz A, Völker J, Hagen R, Rak K. Comprehensive literature review on the application of the otological surgical planning software OTOPLAN® for cochlear implantation. HNO. 2024 Dec;72(Suppl 2):89-100. English. doi: 10.1007/s00106-023-01417-4. Epub 2024 Jun 11. PMID: 38861031.
Müller-Graff FT, Herrmann D, Spahn B, Voelker J, Kurz A, Neun T, Hackenberg S, Rak K. Position control of flexible electrodes with regard to intra-cochlear structure preservation and hearing outcomes: a retrospective study with implementation of the electrode contact view. Otol Neurotol. 2025 Jun 17. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004528. Online ahead of print.
Sloop AD, Richter ME, Scharf SP, Rooth MA, Brown KD, Dillon MT. Attrition in Cochlear Implant Research: Sociodemographic, Audiologic, and Performance Variables. Laryngoscope. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1002/lary.70464. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41792877.