Purpose: Cochlear implants are usually activated 3–5 weeks after surgery; to date, no universal protocol exists regarding switch on and fitting of these devices. The aim of the study was to assess safety and functional results of activation and fitting of cochlear implant within 24 h following surgery. Methods: In this retrospective case–control study, 15 adult patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery, for a total of 20 cochlear implant procedures were analyzed. In particular, clinical safety and feasibility were investigated by examinating patients at activation and at each follow-up. Values of electrodes’ impedance and most comfortable loudness (MCL) were analyzed from the time of surgery to 12 months after activation. Free-field pure tone average (PTA) was also recorded. Results: No major or minor complications were reported and all patients could perform the early fitting. Activation modality influenced impedance values only in the short term but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Mean MCL values in the early fitting group were lower than MCL of the late fitting in all follow-up sessions, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean PTA was lower in the early fitting group but the difference was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Early fitting of cochlear implants is safe, allows for an early rehabilitation and can have possible beneficial effects on stimulation levels and dynamic range.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with and without nasal polyps has a prevalence of around 10%, being one of the most common chronic diseases in Europe. It is characterized by a wide range of symptoms leading to a high individual, clinical and socioeconomic burden due to loss of productivity of individual patients and challenging therapeutic processes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on olfactory function and associated quality of life of CRS patients, particularly regarding postoperative differences in neuronal processes. Using psychophysical and electrophysiological tools, the goal was to quantify postoperative changes to predict the neuronal functions related to olfactory improvements after FESS and ultimately provide better therapeutic recommendations in the future. Twenty-five CRS patients with nasal polyps aged from 30 to 64 years (CRS group) and 20 healthy controls aged from 23 to 54 years (control group) participated in this study. Both groups were tested twice (interval 3 to 6 months), with the first examination of the patients taking place a few days before surgery. Testing included questionnaires (medical history including self-ratings of olfactory function and nasal breathing, SNOT-20 questionnaire), psychophysical methods (Sniffin Sticks for olfactory function [TDI score], Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow) and electrophysiological methods (olfactory and trigeminal event-related potentials). CRS group patients were also subjected to preoperative clinical examination and preoperative CT-scans. While the CRS group improved in terms of self-ratings of the sense of smell and TDI scores, as well as nasal breathing and quality of life, the control group did not show major longitudinal differences. In addition, electrophysiological measures suggested that trigeminal sensitivity decreased after surgery. CRS patients showed benefits from surgery in terms of olfaction, nasal breathing and quality of life, at least 3–6 months after the intervention. Interestingly, electrophysiological measurements suggested a postoperative decrease of trigeminal sensitivity.