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Cochlear pathology following chronic electrical stimulation using non charge balanced stimuli.
R K Shepherd1, J Matsushima, R E Millard
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Poorly charge balanced electrical stimulation, including direct current (DC) stimulation, caused severe cochlear damage and altered auditory brainstem responses. Charge balanced stimulation prevented these adverse effects, highlighting the importance of stimulus design for neural prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic electrical stimulation of the cochlea is used in neural prostheses.
- Charge balance is crucial for safe and effective electrical stimulation.
- Deviations from charge balance can lead to adverse tissue reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological effects of inadvertent direct current (DC) stimulation in the cochlea.
- To compare the effects of poorly charge-balanced versus charge-balanced electrical stimulation.
- To assess the impact of electrical stimulation parameters on cochlear integrity and auditory function.
Main Methods:
- Chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation in an animal model.
- Inadvertent exposure to direct current (DC) and poorly charge-balanced stimuli.
- Histopathological examination of cochlear tissues.
- Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response (EABR) recordings.
Main Results:
- Poorly charge-balanced stimulation resulted in extensive spiral ganglion cell loss and new bone growth.
- Significant alterations in EABR morphology and increased thresholds were observed during DC stimulation.
- The contralateral cochlea, receiving charge-balanced stimulation, showed no pathological changes and stable EABRs.
Conclusions:
- Poorly charge-balanced electrical stimuli, including DC stimulation, induce significant cochlear pathology.
- Charge-balanced stimulation is essential for maintaining cochlear health and function during chronic electrical stimulation.
- These findings have critical implications for the design of neural prostheses and therapeutic electrical stimulation strategies.