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Adult Auditory Brainstem Implant Outcomes and Three-Dimensional Electrode Array Position on Computed Tomography
Dana Egra-Dagan1,2, Isabeau van Beurden1,2, Samuel R Barber3
1Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Ear and Hearing
|July 20, 2021
Summary
Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) array position impacts outcomes. Superiorly tilted arrays correlate with better speech perception and fewer active electrodes in ABI recipients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Audiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) outcomes are not well understood.
- Variability in ABI electrode array placement may influence patient results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize ABI electrode array position using postoperative imaging.
- To determine if ABI array position variability relates to perceptual outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 20 adult ABI recipients.
- 3D CT scans used to measure array position (angles and distances).
- Array position correlated with perceptual data (auditory sensation, side effects, speech perception, charge thresholds).
Main Results:
- All arrays showed posterior tilt (lateral view) and most medial tilt (posterior view).
- A negative correlation existed between active electrodes and lateral distance from basion (D2P; rs = -0.73, p = 0.006).
- Middle array electrodes produced auditory sensations; tips caused nonauditory side effects. Superior tilt correlated with better speech perception.
Conclusions:
- Superiorly tilted ABI arrays are associated with better speech perception.
- High active electrode counts and lower charge thresholds characterize successful ABI outcomes.
