Partial deafness treatment in children by using Cochlear SRA electrode - round window surgical technique and evaluation by comparison of preservation of residual hearing and insertion depth angle

Residual hearing preservation is the major challenge of cochlear implantation today. Its prerequisite, apart from inhibition of cochlea's inflammation, is to preserve inner ear structures. Clinical study of the partial deafness treatment in children with the Straight Research Array (SRA) was conducted on a group of 28 children with bilateral high- and mid frequency SNHL using Skarzynski's 6-step round window approach. Residual hearing preservation was achieved in 98% cases. Complementary electrical stimulation was assessed with post-surgery hearing thresholds and insertion depth angle. One month post processor activation thresholds' stability and independence from insertion depth angle across frequencies was confirmed. New SRA, commercially available as CI422/slim half-banded straight electrode is useful in soft surgery and a good tool for hearing preservation.