Using electrically evoked auditory reflex thresholds to fit the CLARION cochlear implant

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Cochlear implants are vital for hearing restoration in children.
• Programming cochlear implants requires understanding auditory perception.
• Objective measures are needed for non-behavioral participants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for measuring electrically elicited auditory reflex thresholds (EARTs).
• To assess the utility of EARTs in young children using the CLARION Multi-Strategy Cochlear Implant.
• To establish EARTs as a guide for cochlear implant fitting.

Main Methods:

• Electrically elicited auditory reflex thresholds (EARTs) were measured in pediatric cochlear implant users.
• The CLARION Multi-Strategy Cochlear Implant was utilized.
• Objective reflex measurements were obtained in 11 out of 17 participants.

Main Results:

• EARTs were successfully obtained in a majority of pediatric Clarion users.
• The EART current level identified a threshold for auditory perception, perceived as loud but not uncomfortable.
• EARTs provided a basis for conditioning behavioral responses and setting loudness levels.

Conclusions:

• Electrically elicited auditory reflex thresholds (EARTs) offer an objective measure for cochlear implant fitting in young children.
• This method aids in programming cochlear implants for individuals unable to perform behavioral tasks.
• EARTs are valuable for establishing auditory percepts and optimizing loudness levels in pediatric cochlear implant users.