Related Experiment Videos
Electrically elicited stapedius reflex in cochlear implant patients
R D Battmer1, R Laszig, E Lehnhardt
1Hals-Nasen- und Ohrenklinik, Medizinischen Hochschule, Hannover, West Germany.
Ear and Hearing
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Stapedius reflex testing in deaf patients with cochlear implants revealed that stimulating apical electrodes and widening bipolar stimulation decreased reflex thresholds. This suggests stapedius reflex evaluation is valuable for optimizing cochlear implant speech processor fitting.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cochlear implants are vital for hearing restoration in deaf individuals.
- Electrically elicited stapedius reflexes (eSR) offer insights into auditory nerve function post-implantation.
- Optimizing speech processor fitting is crucial for effective cochlear implant use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of electrically elicited stapedius reflexes for speech processor fitting in cochlear implant users.
- To determine the influence of electrode position and stimulation mode on stapedius reflex thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Examined eSR in 25 deaf patients with 22-channel cochlear implants.
- Utilized apical, medial, and basal electrode pairs with varying stimulation modes.
- Averaged 10 reflexes for threshold determination, comparing with the non-operated side.
Main Results:
- Stapedius reflexes were elicited in 76% of patients, with 56% showing reflex amplitude saturation.
- Apical electrode stimulation yielded more distinct reflexes at lower current levels.
- Increased bipolar stimulation width reduced the intensity required for stapedius reflex threshold.
Conclusions:
- Electrically elicited stapedius reflex evaluation is a potentially valuable tool for speech processor fitting.
- Optimizing electrode position and stimulation parameters can enhance reflex elicitation and potentially improve implant function.