Advances and Innovations in Cochlear Implants

BackgroundCochlear implants (CIs) are among the most successful neuroprosthetic technologies, restoring access to sound for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss across the lifespan. In parallel with expanding candidacy criteria and growing global uptake, the field is progressing rapidly across device engineering, surgical techniques, clinical programming, and auditory rehabilitation. At the same time, important challenges remain, including variability in speech outcomes, limited performance in noise and complex listening environments, music perception difficulties, and persistent gaps in access, follow-up care, and long-term patient-centered outcomes.Recent advances in imaging, electrode design and insertion strategies, objective measures of peripheral and central auditory function, and data-driven approaches to fitting and outcome prediction are reshaping how cochlear implantation is planned, delivered, and evaluated. Emerging work on hybrid electro-acoustic stimulation, closed-loop and adaptive stimulation paradigms, novel coding strategies, remote care models, and next-generation implantable or wearable technologies also highlight a shift toward more personalized, efficient, and equitable CI care. Continued progress will require closer integration of clinical evidence, engineering innovation, auditory neuroscience, and real-world implementation studies.GoalThis Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge original research, clinical studies, and authoritative reviews that advance the science and practice of cochlear implantation. The collection will showcase innovations that improve hearing performance, safety, personalization, and patient quality of life, while also addressing current limitations in outcomes, programming, rehabilitation, and access to care. By connecting technology development with clinical translation and long-term evaluation, this Research Topic will serve as a reference for clinicians, researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders working to shape the next generation of cochlear implant care.ScopeWe welcome submissions addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:o Next-generation CI hardware and electrode innovations, including electrode arrays, insertion tools, atraumatic strategies, optical implants, and device reliabilityo Sound coding and stimulation strategies, including new processing algorithms, adaptive or closed-loop approaches, computational modelling, vocoders, and strategies for improving speech-in-noise and music perceptiono Objective measures and biomarkers relevant to CI programming and outcomes (e.g., ECAP/EABR, imaging-based metrics, electrophysiology, neuroimaging)o Surgical planning, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative optimization, including imaging, robotics/assistive technologies, and outcome-linked surgical variableso Personalized programming and fitting, including machine learning approaches, data-driven mapping, remote fitting, and patient-specific parameter optimizationo Rehabilitation and long-term patient outcomes, including pediatric and adult trajectories, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes, quality of life, and real-world listening performanceo Bimodal hearing, bilateral implantation, and electro-acoustic stimulation, including comparative effectiveness and patient selectiono Equity, access, and implementation research, including teleaudiology, service delivery models, and outcomes across diverse populations and settingso Multi-modal sensory input and integration in CI users, including novel therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches, emotional evaluation in virtual reality environments, and vibrotactile stimulation Topic editors: Rachael T. Richardson, Julie Arenberg, Birgit Philips, Behnam Molaee-Ardekani, Marco Carner Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78116/advances-and-innovations-in-cochlear-implants