ESRT and MCL correlations in experienced paediatric cochlear implant users

The use of electrically evoked stapedius reflex thresholds (eSRT) has been suggested as a useful means for creating a cochlear implant speech processor programme. Studies in adults have shown that there is a high correlation between eSRT programmes and programmes created through behavioural testing. This study assessed the viability of using eSRT to create speech processor programmes in children, an often difficult-to-test population. Seven children with an average cochlear implant experience of 1.1 years participated in the study. Their most comfortable levels (MCL), established either through behavioural testing or through eSRT, were compared to each other; and parents were asked about their observations on which programme was superior. There was a high correlation between MCLs (r(2) = 0.789), and there was no significant difference between the programmes, with the eSRT programme being slightly softer than the behavioural programme. Parents reported that the eSRT programme was as good as or better than the behavioural programme. Further studies need to be conducted on using the eSRT programme in the first fitting period in inexperienced cochlear implant users. However, current data suggest the viability of using eSRT programmes safely in the paediatric and difficult-to-assess population.