Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Impedance Monitoring for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Published on: August 4, 2023
Piloting the recording of electrode voltages (REVS) using surface electrodes as a test to identify cochlear implant
Mary Grasmeder1, Carl Verschuur1, Robyn Ferris2
1Auditory Implant Service, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK.
Objectives:
To determine if Electrode Voltage (EV) measurements are potentially suitable as a test for detecting extra-cochlear electrodes in cochlear implants (CIs).
Methods:
EV measurements were made using surface electrodes in live mode in 17 adult cochlear implant (CI) users. Repeatability, the effects of stimulation level, CI active electrode position, (active) recording electrode position and stimulation mode (for Nucleus devices) were investigated.
Results/Discussion:
Recordings made in monopolar mode showed good repeatability when the active recording electrode was placed on the ipsilateral earlobe; voltages increased linearly with stimulation level as expected. EVs for basal electrodes differed greatly between partially inserted/migrated devices, fully inserted devices with all electrodes activated, and those with deactivated basal electrodes [χ2(2) = 10.2, p < 0.05 for the most basal electrode]. EVs for Nucleus devices were small for electrodes on the array when compared to those for monopolar return electrodes, except for the participant with extra-cochlear electrodes. We argue that fibrosis around the electrode array facilitated current flow across the round window in this case.
Conclusion:
The test appears to be a viable approach to detect electrode migration and extra-cochlear electrodes in adult CI users and may also be sensitive to discomfort caused by current leakage from the basal end of the cochlea.
