Custom cochlear implant tuning based on ear shape may boost hearing

NCT ID NCT05451628

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether programming a cochlear implant based on each person's unique inner ear structure improves hearing compared to the standard one-size-fits-all approach. Adults with severe to profound hearing loss who already have a MED-EL cochlear implant will receive both types of programming and have their speech recognition tested. The goal is to see if matching the implant's frequency settings to the natural layout of the cochlea leads to better sound perception.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Anatomy-based cochlear implant fitting (device programming)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could make cochlear implants work better for each person, potentially improving speech understanding in quiet and noisy settings.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The new fitting method may not provide a meaningful benefit over standard care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COCHLEAR IMPLANTS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hearing Loss, Sensorineural sensorineural hearing loss disorder X-linked mixed hearing loss with perilymphatic gusher

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Antwerp University Hopsital
RECRUITING

Antwerp, 2650, Belgium
University Hospital Brussels
RECRUITING

Brussels, Brussels Capital, 1090, Belgium

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.