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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
Establishing the standard method of cochlear implant in Rongchang pig
Wei Chen1,2, Haijin Yi3, Liang Zhang4
1a Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery , Institute of Otolaryngology, Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing, PR China.
Conclusions:
In this investigation, a large mammal, Rongchang pigs were used to successfully establish a research platform for cochlear implant study on the routine use of it in clinic.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to establish a standard method of cochlear implant in a large mammal-pig.
Methods:
Rongchang pigs were selected, then divided into two groups: normal-hearing group (Mitf +/+) and mutation group with hearing loss (Mitf -/-). Cochlear implants were used and ABR and EABR were recorded. The implanted electrodes were observed by X-ray and HE stains.
Results:
The success with cochlear implant and the best electrode position could be defined in all animals, the coiling of the cochlea reached 1.5-1.75 turns. Immediately after the operation of cochlear implants, the ABR threshold of the operated ear (right) could not be derived for each frequency at 120 dB SPL. Moreover, 7 days after surgery, the low-frequency ABR threshold of the operated ear (right) could be derived partly at 100 dB SPL, but the high-frequency ABR threshold could not be derived at 120 dB SPL. Immediately or 1 week after cochlear implants, the EABR threshold was 90 CL in the Mitf +/+ group. This was obviously lower than the 190 CL in the Mitf -/- group.
