Researching the applicability of early fitting in the cochlear implant and comparison with the classic fitting method

In this study, 70 patients who underwent cochlear implantation in Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology due to severe sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups and the sound processor was activated and fitting was performed on the 1st day after the operation in the study group. Fitting was performed in the control group, classically 4 weeks after the operation. In the study, the reliability and feasibility of early fitting was investigated and it was aimed to compare it with the control group in terms of electrophysiology. In the study, the most common side effects after the activation of the sound processor in both groups were minor side effects such as pain, redness and edema, and there was no statistically significant difference. In the comparison of electrical impedance, the values measured on day 1 and day 7 in the early fitting group were statistically significantly lower than the value at 1 month, the first measurement of the control fitting group. In the measurements made after the 1st month, the impedance values of the early fitting group also increased and approached the control group, and there was no statistically significant difference. In both groups, the impedance value was at the highest level in the 1st month and started to follow a more stable course after the 1st month. MCL levels were lower in the early fitting group in the first measurement and there was a statistically significant difference. In subsequent measurements, MCL levels were also close to the control group and there was no statistically significant difference. These findings suggested that early fitting after cochlear implantation is a safe and feasible modality and may reduce the cost of the treatment procedure. In addition, it was observed that early fitting did not have a significant effect on electrophysiological tests in long-term follow-ups.