Having experience with the COMBI 40 for over two years, it is now possible to look at the development of patient fittings over a longer period of time. In this study we look at patient fitting data (thresholds, dynamic ranges, etc.) at two days, one month, three months, six months and twelve months post first fitting. Subjects are CI-users participating in the COMBI 40 European Multicentric Study. Long-term fitting parameters show a favourable development. Stable fitting parameters and the safety features implemented in the COMBI 40 serve as a basis for a reliable long-term speech understanding.