Choose the Right Path: Tools for Surgical Planning and Anatomy-Based Fitting
Release Date: 06/11/2024
Preserving Hearing in Cochlear Implantation
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Marcus Schmidt discusses with Prof. Stefan Weder and Dr. Ilona Anderson how a flexible electrode array design and advanced surgical tools, such as OTOPLAN and OTODRIVE, are helping surgeons achieve more precise outcomes while supporting residual hearing preservation by protecting the delicate structures in the cochlea. They also look at the latest clinical data on hearing preservation, including FDA-approval for hearing preservation, and they discuss how these innovations are improving quality of life for CI users. Weblinks: Literature Links: Aebischer, P., Anschuetz,...
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Users’ Perspectives on Closest to Natural Hearing
MED-EL Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Ilona Anderson welcomes Mariia Pazi and Krystian Koper, two cochlear implant users with unique hearing journeys. Together, they explore what “closest to natural hearing” means from a user’s perspective. Weblinks:
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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...
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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...
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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:
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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...
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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_outlineIn the third episode, hosts Alex and Lukas from the Product Management Team sit down with expert Nikola Ivanovic to explore enhancements in the latest version of OTOPLAN. Discover how these new features streamline the planning process for individualized otological surgery, making it more accessible than ever before. Join the conversation on the potential benefits that clinics can reap from integrating these advancements into their practice.
Weblinks:
MED-EL Professionals: OTOPLAN
*Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.