Ups and Downs in 75 Years of Electrocochleography

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Electrocochleography (ECochG) originated as an invasive surgical procedure before 1964.
• Since 1967, ECochG has developed into minimally invasive trans-tympanic (TT) and extra-tympanic (ET) recording methods.
• Clinical interest in ECochG has fluctuated over the past 75 years, as indicated by publication trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical review of electrocochleography (ECochG) applications over 75 years.
• To cover key developments from its surgical origins to modern, minimally invasive techniques.
• To highlight significant applications and shifts in clinical interest.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of electrocochleography (ECochG) literature.
• Analysis of ECochG applications including objective audiometry, Ménière's disease diagnosis, vestibular schwannoma detection, auditory neuropathy, and intra-cochlear recordings.
• Examination of publication trends in PubMed to assess clinical interest over time.

Main Results:

• ECochG has transitioned from intra-operative use to minimally invasive methods like TT and ET recordings.
• Key applications include objective audiometry (largely replaced by ABR), Ménière's disease diagnosis (SP role), vestibular schwannoma diagnosis (superseded by ABR/MRI), auditory neuropathy, and intracochlear recordings.
• Recent advancements involve gene-related electrophysiology and intra-cochlear recording via implant electrodes.

Conclusions:

• ECochG has evolved significantly, offering diverse diagnostic capabilities in audiology and neuroscience.
• Its historical trajectory shows a shift towards less invasive techniques and integration with advanced technologies like cochlear implants.
• Continued research and application, particularly in gene-related hearing disorders and intracochlear recording, underscore ECochG's ongoing relevance.