Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Improving Cochlear Implant Outcomes Through Modeling and Programming Strategies Based on Human Inner Ear Pathology
Sponsor: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Summary
Cochlear implants are devices placed in the inner ear through surgery to help people with severe to profound hearing loss. While these devices work well overall, results vary widely from person to person. Many people with cochlear implants still have trouble understanding speech in noisy places and enjoying music. This study looks at whether customizing the way a cochlear implant is programmed, based on the health of the hearing nerve in different areas of the ear, can help people understand speech better in noisy settings. The researchers will adjust or turn off certain electrodes in areas where the nerve appears weaker, then test whether this improves hearing compared to each person's everyday program. They will also examine whether giving people time to get used to the new program leads to better results.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
45
Start Date
2026-10-01
Completion Date
2028-07-30
Last Updated
2026-10-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Everyday Clinical Listening Program (Control)
The participant's standard clinical cochlear implant sound-processing program, as currently fit for everyday use. This serves as the within-subjects control condition and remains available as a backup throughout the take-home trial.
ENI-Based Experimental Program 1
An experimental cochlear implant sound-processing strategy that applies focused electrical fields for electrodes distant from regions of healthy neural tissue and/or deactivates channels near regions of poor neural density or integrity, as inferred from a previously developed electrode-neuron interface model. Tested acutely in the lab and during one 4-week take-home interval.
ENI-Based Experimental Program 2
A second experimental cochlear implant sound-processing strategy applying focused electrical fields and/or channel deactivation based on electrode-neuron interface estimates, configured differently from Experimental Program 1. Tested acutely in the lab and during one 4-week take-home interval.
Locations (1)
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Boston, Massachusetts, United States