Everything You Need to Know About Anatomy-Based Fitting

Cochlear implant technology is constantly developing. One of the newest innovations is anatomy-based fitting (sometimes known as place-based mapping). But what exactly is it? Let’s take a look at this exciting new technology and see how it can help cochlear implant users get the most out of their hearing.

What Is Anatomy-Based Fitting?

You’ve probably heard of a cochlear implant fitting. It’s where your audiologist activates your cochlear implant after surgery. During this, they match your CI to your specific hearing needs and create a program or “map.” These maps are then saved to your audio processor.

Anatomy-based fitting takes this one step further. It lets your audiologist offer a more personalized and fine-tuned fitting so that you can have the best hearing experience possible.

How Will It Help Me Hear?

Every ear is unique. The cochlea—the snail-like structure in the inner ear—comes in different lengths, widths, and heights. Much like a fingerprint, it’s never the same as anyone else’s.

But the cochlea is also the key to everything we hear. When you hear a high-pitched sound, like birdsong, it stimulates the beginning of your cochlea. In comparison, a low-pitched dog bark activates cells deep in your cochlea.

When you use a cochlear implant, it’s the electrode array—the long, flexible tail of the implant— that stimulates these different locations in your ear. To experience closest to natural hearing, it’s important that this electrode fits your cochlea well. We offer multiple electrode arrays so that your surgeon can choose the one that best fits your unique anatomy.

Anatomy-based fitting makes this approach even more individualized. With it, your audiologist can see the location where each pitch is stimulated so they can create a precise, personalized map that fits your cochlea. This helps deliver even closer to natural hearing. The result? It’s easier for your brain to adjust to your new implant, and how you perceive music and speech can improve.

How Does Anatomy-Based Fitting Work?

Anatomy-based fitting is made possible by doing a CT scan or post-op x-ray after your CI surgery . This is then imported into OTOPLAN . This software is used by surgeons to plan cochlear implant surgery and choose the right cochlear implant electrode for you. OTOPLAN then uses an algorithm that lets audiologists see the exact location of each electrode after it has been implanted. This data can then be imported into MED-EL’s fitting software, where it helps your audiologist perform a fitting that works with your unique anatomy.

It’s a bit like tuning the strings on a guitar. Anatomy-based fitting creates a map that fits more precisely to the natural pitches in your cochlea.

I Already Have a MED-EL CI. Can I Still Get Anatomy-Based Fitting?

Yes! Anatomy-based fitting is compatible with all multichannel cochlear implants as far back as 1994. However, it is only possible with SONNET 2, SONNET 2 EAS, SONNET 3, SONNET 3 EAS, and RONDO 3 audio processors.

How Do Cochlear Implant Users Find It?

Study results are generally positive. One recent study looked at experienced bilateral cochlear implant users (people with a CI on both sides). The results showed that anatomy-based fitting improved their understanding of speech. They also reported experiencing better sound quality. And a Chinese study showed that anatomy-based fitting led to better hearing outcomes.