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Acoustic reflex in patients with cochlear implants (analog stimulation).
K Stephan1, K Welzl-Müller, H Stiglbrunner
1Clinic for Hearing, Speech, and Voice Disorders, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
The American Journal of Otology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Stapedius reflex testing in deaf patients with cochlear implants revealed reflex thresholds near uncomfortable loudness levels. This finding offers practical insights for audiological assessments and device fitting.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cochlear implants are crucial for restoring hearing in deaf individuals.
- Understanding stapedius reflexes provides insights into auditory system function and device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate stapedius reflex thresholds in deaf patients using the Vienna cochlear implant.
- To compare reflex thresholds with psychoacoustic sensation levels for clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Tested stapedius reflexes in 21 deaf patients with intra- or extracochlear electrodes.
- Utilized sinusoidal bursts (125-2,000 Hz) and synchronized acoustic impedance monitoring.
- Compared reflex thresholds to psychoacoustic loudness levels.
Main Results:
- Stapedius reflex thresholds consistently fell near the uncomfortable loudness level or above the most comfortable level.
- Reflex thresholds were found within the subjective dynamic range of hearing.
Conclusions:
- Stapedius reflex testing is a valuable tool for audiological assessment in cochlear implant users.
- The findings support the clinical application of reflex testing for optimizing device programming.
- Limitations for pediatric use require further investigation.