MED-EL Podcast
This is the official audio podcast of MED-EL. This podcast is designed as a learning tool and is a convenient way for professionals to update themselves on the new developments in hearing solutions. Join our channel and be the first to hear what we are up to.
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From AudioLink to AudioLink XT
05/05/2026
From AudioLink to AudioLink XT
In this episode, Patrick Spörr, Product Manager for External Devices at MED-EL, talks with Andreas Neurauter from MED-EL's R&D department about the new AudioLink XT and its standout features. They explore how this next-generation connectivity device builds on user feedback to offer ASHA-based TV streaming, FM receiver support, improved battery efficiency, broader compatibility, and more. Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/41154140
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Closest to Natural Hearing - The Future
04/28/2026
Closest to Natural Hearing - The Future
In this final episode of Closest to Natural Hearing, Marcus Schmidt speaks with Dr. Hinrich Staecker and Dr. Peter Nopp about the future of cochlear implantation. They explore how advances in AI, anatomy‑based fitting, hearing preservation, and fully implantable systems are reshaping outcomes for current and future CI users. The conversation also highlights emerging developments in gene therapy, drug‑emitting electrodes, robotics, and individualized surgical planning—all pointing toward a future in which hearing with a CI is more natural, seamless, and accessible than ever. Literature References: Helbig S, Rajan GP, Stöver T, et al. Hearing preservation after cochlear reimplantation. Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. 2013 Jan;34(1):61-65. DOI: 10.1097/mao.0b013e318277a44e. PMID: 23202149. Lee S, Lee S, Park S: Comprehensive genetic profiling of sensorineural hearing loss using an integrative diagnostic approach. Cell Reports Medicine, 2025; 6. Manrique-Huarte, Raquel; Zulueta-Santos, Cristina; Calavia, Diego; Linera-Alperi, Marta Álvarez de; Gallego, Maria Antonia; Jolly, Claude; Manrique, Manuel. Cochlear Implantation With a Dexamethasone Eluting Electrode Array: Functional and Anatomical Changes in Non-Human Primates. Otology & Neurotology 41(7):p e812-e822, August 2020. | DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002686. Michael Nieratschker, Pavel Mistrik, Zdenek Petrasek, Erdem Yildiz, Anselm J. Gadenstaetter, Matthias Gerlitz, Anne-Margarethe Kramer, Monika Kwiatkowska, Susanne Braun, Reimar Schlingensiepen, Clemens Honeder, Christoph Arnoldner. Silicone-based AC102-loaded cochlear implant coatings protect residual hearing in an animal model of cochlear implantation, Hearing Research, Volume 454, 2024, doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2024.109150. Prenzler N, Salcher R, Büchner A, Warnecke A, Kley D, Batsoulis C, Vormelcher S, Mitterberger-Vogt M, Morettini S, Schilp S, Hochmair I, Lenarz T. Cochlear implantation with a dexamethasone-eluting electrode array: First-in-human safety and performance results. Hear Res. 2025 Jun;461:109255. doi: 10.1016/j.heares.2025.109255. Epub 2025 Mar 23. PMID: 40158223. Shearer AE, Hildebrand MS, Odell AM, et al. Genetic Hearing Loss Overview. 1999 Feb 14 [Updated 2025 Apr 3]. In: Adam MP, Bick S, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2026. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK1434/.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/41044035
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Preserving Hearing in Cochlear Implantation
04/21/2026
Preserving Hearing in Cochlear Implantation
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 References: Aebischer, P., Anschuetz, L., Caversaccio, M., Mantokoudis, G., & Weder, S. (2024). Quantitative in-vitro assessment of a novel robot-assisted system for cochlear implant electrode insertion. International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 1-10. Heyning, P. H. V. de, Dazert, S., Gavilan, J., Lassaletta, L., Lorens, A., Rajan, G. P., Skarzynski, H., Skarzynski, P. H., Tavora-Vieira, D., Topsakal, V., Usami, S., Rompaey, V. V., Weiss, N. M., & Polak, M. (2022). Systematic Literature Review of Hearing Preservation Rates in Cochlear Implantation Associated With Medium- and Longer-Length Flexible Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays. Frontiers in Surgery, 9, 893839. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.893839. Oetiker Y, Aebischer P, Caversaccio M, Mantokoudis G, Weder S. Hearing preservation outcomes with motorized cochlear implant electrode insertion: matched-cohort observations. Front Surg. 2025 Nov 7;12:1700744. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1700744. PMID: 41282565; PMCID: PMC12637026. 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: Document "Summary of safe-ty and effectiveness Data“ of Premarket Approval Application (PMA) Number: P000025/S129, MED-EL Cochlear Implant System, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/P000025S129B.pdf. von Ilberg C, Kiefer J, Tillein J, Pfenningdorff T, Hartmann R, Stürzebecher E, Klinke R. Electric-acoustic stimulation of the auditory system. New technology for severe hearing loss. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 1999 Nov-Dec;61(6):334-40. doi: 10.1159/000027695. PMID: 10545807.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40952110
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Users’ Perspectives on Closest to Natural Hearing
04/14/2026
Users’ Perspectives on Closest to Natural Hearing
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:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40867255
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Anatomy-Based Fitting
04/07/2026
Anatomy-Based Fitting
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 References: 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.
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Individualized Cochlear Implantation
03/31/2026
Individualized Cochlear Implantation
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 References: Creff G, Lambert C, Coudert P, Pean V, Laurent S, Godey B. Comparison of Tonotopic and Default Frequency Fitting for Speech Understanding in Noise in New Cochlear Implantees: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study. Ear Hear. 2024 Jan-Feb 01;45(1):35-52. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001423. Epub 2023 Oct 12. PMID: 37823850. 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. Epub 2024 Sep 19. PMID: 39299967; PMCID: PMC11735480. Mertens G, Van de Heyning P, Vanderveken O, Topsakal V, Van Rompaey V. The smaller the frequency-to-place mismatch the better the hearing outcomes in cochlear implant recipients? Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Apr;279(4):1875-1883. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06899-y. Epub 2021 Jun 15. PMID: 34131770. Lassaletta L, Calvino M, Sánchez-Cuadrado I, Muñoz E, Gavilán J. Can anatomy-based fitting improve musical perception in adult cochlear implant users? Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Mar-Apr;91(2):101533. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2024.101533. Epub 2024 Nov 19. PMID: 39566293; PMCID: PMC11617376.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40678990
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Stimulating the Entire Cochlea – Why It Matters
03/24/2026
Stimulating the Entire Cochlea – Why It Matters
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:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40602440
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Cochlear Anatomy and Its Implications for CI Stimulation
03/17/2026
Cochlear Anatomy and Its Implications for CI Stimulation
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 References: 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 arrays and fine-structure stimulation. Front Neurosci. 2025 Sep 2;19:1624499. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1624499. PMID: 41001584; PMCID: PMC12457772. Dorman MF, Natale SC, Noble JH, Zeitler DM (2022). Upward Shifts in the Internal Representation of Frequency Can Persist Over a 3-Year Period for Cochlear Implant Patients Fit With a Relatively Short Electrode Array. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16:863891. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.863891 Li H, Helpard L, Ekeroot J, Rohani SA, Zhu N, Rask-Andersen H, Ladak HM, Agrawal S. Three-dimensional tonotopic mapping of the human cochlea based on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging. Sci Rep. 2021 Feb 24;11(1):4437. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83225-w. PMID: 33627724; PMCID: PMC7904830. Li H, Schart-Morén N, Rohani SA, Ladak HM, Rask-Andersen H, Agrawal S. Synchrotron Radiation-Based Reconstruction of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Implications for Cochlear Implantation. Ear Hear. 2020 Jan/Feb;41(1):173-181. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000738. PMID: 31008733. Mei X, Glueckert R, Schrott-Fischer A, Li H, Ladak HM, Agrawal SK, Rask-Andersen H. Vascular Supply of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Novel Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Synchrotron Phase-Contrast Imaging and Histology. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 3;10(1):5877. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62653-0. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2020 May 1;10(1):7681. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64611-2. PMID: 32245997; PMCID: PMC7125215. Micuda A, Li H, Rask-Andersen H, Ladak HM, Agrawal SK. Morphologic Analysis of the Scala Tympani Using Synchrotron: Implications for Cochlear Implantation. Laryngoscope. 2024 Jun;134(6):2889-2897. doi: 10.1002/lary.31263. Epub 2024 Jan 8. PMID: 38189807.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40509715
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Closest to Natural Hearing - The Concept
03/10/2026
Closest to Natural Hearing - The Concept
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)
/episode/index/show/medel/id/40378985
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Unlocking the Power of the AudioKey 3 App
05/20/2025
Unlocking the Power of the AudioKey 3 App
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.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/36260090
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Direct Audio Streaming With SONNET 3
05/13/2025
Direct Audio Streaming With SONNET 3
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.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/36260060
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The Ergonomic Design of SONNET 3
05/06/2025
The Ergonomic Design of SONNET 3
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.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Hearing Loss
11/26/2024
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Hearing Loss
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 loss.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/33643187
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All About Auditory Brainstem Implants for Rehabilitation Specialists
11/12/2024
All About Auditory Brainstem Implants for Rehabilitation Specialists
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.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/33643122
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Aural Rehabilitation for Adults
10/29/2024
Aural Rehabilitation for Adults
Jane Opie, a Senior Research Audiologist for MED-EL, introduces the topic of aging and hearing loss to our rehab series. Here we discuss a range of issues, including the challenges of early diagnosis and intervention, the cognitive impact of hearing loss, relevant research, assessment tools, and ideas and tips for rehabilitation. Weblinks Access our , including the HISQUI19 and Adult Rehabilitation Kits. Watch the first episode of MED-EL's and download rehabilitation resources on the with your free account. Available with English, Spanish, and German captions.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/33642947
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Reach the Peak: Accessible and Individualized Rehabilitation for Better Outcomes
06/25/2024
Reach the Peak: Accessible and Individualized Rehabilitation for Better Outcomes
In the final episode, hosts Alex and Lukas from the Product Management Team meet up with specialist Natalie Teakle to explore the crucial role of digital tools in achieving optimal performance through rehabilitation. Join the discussion as they shine a light onto how these tools simplify the journey for both professionals and patients. Natalie also shares insights into the AI-powered ReDi Studio, highlighting its ability to empower therapists in crafting personalized rehabilitation programs with remarkable ease, requiring just a few clicks. Weblinks: *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/31479157
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Follow Trail Signs: New Remote Care Technologies for the Clinical Workflow
06/18/2024
Follow Trail Signs: New Remote Care Technologies for the Clinical Workflow
In the fourth episode, hosts Alex and Lukas from the Product Management Team talk about the new features of MAESTRO 10, focusing on patient-centric remote care and fitting solutions. Explore the latest advancements designed to facilitate remote patient support and streamline workflows for clinics, saving valuable time. Additionally, they explore the advantages of Anatomy-Based Fitting for cochlear implant users, bringing them closer to natural hearing. Weblinks: *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/31479087
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Choose the Right Path: Tools for Surgical Planning and Anatomy-Based Fitting
06/11/2024
Choose the Right Path: Tools for Surgical Planning and Anatomy-Based Fitting
In 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: *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
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Prepare Your Backpack: Pre-Operative Information Gathering
06/04/2024
Prepare Your Backpack: Pre-Operative Information Gathering
In the second episode, hosts Alex and Lukas from the Product Management Team engage in a conversation with specialist Marina Martin-Ballestero about the complexities and anxieties involved in choosing a cochlear implant. Explore the invaluable role of mentoring and fostering connections, as they talk about platforms like Hearpeers. This patient-driven platform connects candidates with mentors who offer guidance and support throughout this crucial part of the journey. Resources: myMED-EL: Connecting people: Finding information: Tools for professionals: *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/31478532
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Embark on a Journey Through MED-EL’s Digital Care Ecosystem
05/28/2024
Embark on a Journey Through MED-EL’s Digital Care Ecosystem
Alex and Lukas from Product Management provide an overview of MED-EL’s digital care ecosystem. They will talk about how digital tools and services can make the lives of professionals and their patients easier along the entire patient journey. From finding information on hearing solutions all the way to reaching peak performance through individualized hearing rehabilitation. *Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
/episode/index/show/medel/id/31478452
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How Does Clinical Support Add to Reliability and Safety?
11/14/2023
How Does Clinical Support Add to Reliability and Safety?
Peter Grasso and Florian Feichtner talk to Marcus Schmidt about how the clinical support they provide increases reliability: they work in multidisciplinary teams to aid clinicians along the entire patient pathway, answer questions, make expert recommendations, and provide training. Weblinks: (free professional myMED-EL login required, sign up at )
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701628
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Audio Processor Reliability
11/07/2023
Audio Processor Reliability
MED-EL’s audio processors have low average monthly repair rates, but sometimes issues do arise. Audiological scientist Katherine Wilson, Peter Konecny, and Manfred Pieber discuss design aspects that keep this number low - such as analyzing weakness in devices that do break and improving them with each new generation - and how devices are serviced reliably when there are problems to get users hearing again as quickly as possible. Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701586
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Why MRI Safety Is Important
10/31/2023
Why MRI Safety Is Important
MRI is a very common medical procedure for both otological and non-otological reasons, so it shouldn’t have complications or be painful for hearing implant recipients. Dr. Ingo Todt and Dr. Martin Zimmerling talk to Manfred Pieber about the features of MED-EL implants that reduce or eliminate complications - such as magnet dislocation - during MRI: a freely rotating, robust, diametrically bipolar magnet that is removable when it is necessary to reduce the size of imaging artifacts. Weblinks: Literature Links: MRI Observation After Intralabyrinthine and Vestibular Schwannoma Resection and Cochlear Implantation () Quality Control after Intracochlear Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma Resection and Cochlear Implantation () Prevalence and complications of MRI scans of cochlear implant patients: English version () Cochlear implants and 1.5 T MRI scans: the effect of diametrically bipolar magnets and screw fixation on pain () Pain Free 3 T MRI Scans in Cochlear Implantees () Comparison of Cochlear Implant Magnets and Their MRI Artifact Size () MRI Artifacts and Cochlear Implant Positioning at 3 T In Vivo () Prospective Evaluation of 3 T MRI Effect on Residual Hearing Function of Cochlea Implantees ()
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701499
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Reliability and Safety of Active Middle Ear Implants
10/24/2023
Reliability and Safety of Active Middle Ear Implants
Prof. Dr. Kristen Rak and Patrick Müller talk to Marcus Schmidt about their clinical experiences with the VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE, the active middle ear implant that has been on the market the longest. They discuss its simplicity and flexibility, the characteristics that ensure its reliability, and the importance of considering feedback from surgeons when refining features to improve reliability for future implant generations. Weblinks: Literature Links: Long-Term Safety and Quality of Life after Vibroplasty in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Short/Long Incus Process Coupler () Long-Term Stability and Safety of the Soundbridge Coupled to the Round Window () Long-term results of incus vibroplasty in patients with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss ( Health at a Glance 2021: OECD Indicators ()
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Reliability and Safety of Bone Conduction Hearing Implants
10/17/2023
Reliability and Safety of Bone Conduction Hearing Implants
BONEBRIDGE is different from other bone conduction devices. Prof. Georg Sprinzl, Christine Mühlöcker, and Marcus Schmidt discuss how design differences allow BONEBRIDGE to provide outstanding safety and reliability to users, along with what makes it an ideal choice for pediatric patients. The BCI 602 implant has a robust transducer, a low profile, and is transcutaneous for intact skin. It has two-point fixation and is embedded in the bone for stability, and is MR-conditional at 1.5 Tesla.* * The BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant is MR conditional. Recipients with BONEBRIDGE may be safely MRI scanned at 1.5 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the . Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701277
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Pediatric Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability
10/10/2023
Pediatric Cochlear Implant Safety and Reliability
Speech and language therapist Pedro Brás da Silva and Joanna Shepherd talk to Manfred Pieber about the aspects of reliability that are especially important for children with cochlear implants. Receiving quality sound all day is crucial to children’s learning and development, so having a reliable audio processor and implant is therefore essential. Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701217
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How Does Electrode Design Increase the Safety of a Cochlear Implant?
10/03/2023
How Does Electrode Design Increase the Safety of a Cochlear Implant?
Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Schmerber and Dr. Anandhan Dhanasingh talk to Manfred Pieber about how the design features of MED-EL’s flexible, free-fitting, straight FLEX series electrode arrays contribute to implant safety and reliability by reducing the occurrence of common problems such as tip fold-over, scalar deviation, and migration and also preserve intracochlear structures. Weblinks: Download the full Reliability Report at: Literature Links: An overview of cochlear implant electrode array designs () Review on cochlear implant electrode array tip fold-over and scalar deviation () Scalar localization by cone-beam computed tomography of cochlear implant carriers: a comparative study between straight and periomodiolar precurved electrode arrays () Correlation Between Cochlear Length, Insertion Angle, and Tonotopic Mismatch for MED-EL FLEX28 Electrode Arrays () Suitable Electrode Choice for Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Systematic Literature Review of Manual Electrode Insertion Adverse Events ()
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Hearing Implant Reliability Reporting
09/26/2023
Hearing Implant Reliability Reporting
Comparing manufacturer reliability data can be difficult. Surgeon and researcher Sumit Agrawal and MED-EL reliability expert Manfred Pieber share their professional insights into this topic with Marcus Schmidt. Clinical studies on reliability can also provide valuable insights into implant manufacturers. Weblinks: Refer to pages 4-14 and 32 after downloading the report from: Literature Links: Cochlear implant failures and reimplantation: A 30-year analysis and literature review () Evaluating Reasons for Revision Surgery and Device Failure Rates in Patients Who Underwent Cochlear Implantation Surgery () The reliability of hearing implants: report on the type and incidence of cochlear implant failures () The French Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear implantation complications () The French National Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Cochlear explantation and reimplantation ()
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What Makes a Hearing Implant System Reliable?
09/19/2023
What Makes a Hearing Implant System Reliable?
Hearing implant reliability starts with the design process. Dominik Hammerer and Bernhard Jamnig talk to Manfred Pieber about new device development and steps in the manufacturing process that contribute to reliability, including feasibility, hermeticity, impact, environmental, and vibration testing that ensure all requirements are met. Results from thorough investigations of explanted devices are also considered when designing new implants. Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27701040
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What Does 360 Degrees of Reliability and Safety Mean?
09/12/2023
What Does 360 Degrees of Reliability and Safety Mean?
Since reliability is an important topic for hearing implant recipients and surgeons, MED-EL publishes reliability reports regularly. But there is more to reliability than high cumulative survival rates. Manfred Pieber and Marcus Schmidt discuss the aspects of design and technology that contribute to implant and audio processor safety and reliability, including structure preservation and independent safety capacitors. Weblinks:
/episode/index/show/medel/id/27689793