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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Measurements in Cochlear Implantation and Its Application in the Postoperative Fitting Process
Published on: June 21, 2024
Electrogustometric assessment of taste after otologic surgery in children
Randy M Leung1, James Ramsden, Karen Gordon
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. randy.leung@utoronto.ca
Objectives/Hypothesis:
Long term taste dysfunction after otologic surgery has never been characterized in children. The aim of this study is to determine the rates of gustatory dysfunction in normal and postotologic surgery in children.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Methods:
One hundred sixty children visiting a tertiary pediatric otolaryngology clinic, 4 to 18 years of age, were recruited. Surgical groups included patients who had undergone tympanoplasty, combined approach mastoidectomy, modified radical mastoidectomy, and unilateral and bilateral cochlear implantation. They were then tested using a Rion TR-06 electrogustometer (Sensonics, Inc., Haddon Heights, NJ) using a standardized protocol to assess chorda tympani nerve function. An abnormal gustometry result was defined as any recording of > or =16 dB or a difference of 6 dB between ears.
Results:
The control group had a 9% (5/61) abnormal electrogustometric threshold rate. Rates of dysfunction after surgery were: tympanoplasty (27%, 4/15), combined approach mastoidectomy (30%, 11/29), modified radical mastoidectomy (50%, 4/8). Unilateral cochlear implantation yielded a 26% (7/27) per ear risk of dysfunction, whereas bilateral cochlear implantation had a 5% (2/40) per ear risk.
Conclusions:
There is a 9% baseline level of electrogustometric abnormality in the pediatric population, which suggests a subclinical level of gustatory dysfunction. Normal electrogustometry was found in 50% of children after modified radical mastoidectomy, suggesting a degree of neural regenerative capacity. Finally, cochlear implantation, using newer surgical techniques (in the bilateral cochlear implant group) has a low risk for causing gustatory dysfunction, reducing concerns over the safety profile of bilateral cochlear implantation.
