Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2025
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Two different methods to digitally visualize continuous electrocochleography potentials during cochlear implantation:
Theda Eichler1, Antonia Lakomek2, Laura Waschkies2
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. theda.eichler@uk-essen.de.
Purpose:
The study explores the potential of real-time electrocochleographic potentials (ECochG) visualization during electrode insertion using digital microscopes such as RoboticScope (BHS®). Collaborative software development of the MAESTRO Software (MED-EL®) offers continuous ECochG monitoring during implantation and postoperative hearing evaluation, addressing previous time constraints. The study aims to assess software applicability and the impact of real-time visualization on long-term residual hearing preservation.
Methods:
Eight patients with residual hearing underwent cochlear implantation with Flex26 or Flex28 electrode according to the Otoplan evaluation. ECochG responses were measured and visualized during electrode insertion, with insertion times recorded. Two randomized display methods (graph and arrows) tracked ECochG potentials. Postoperative behavioral thresholds determined hearing preservation. Successful real-time intraoperative ECochG visualization was achieved in all cases, enabling surgeon adaptation. Mean electrode insertion time was 114 s, with postoperative thresholds comparable to preoperative values. Visualization did not affect surgeon workload. ECochG amplitudes differed between patients with and without residual hearing.
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates effective implementation of advanced ECochG software combined with real-time visualization, enabling residual hearing preservation during CI. Visualization had no apparent effect on surgeon performance or workload. Future investigation involving a larger population will assess the long-term impact of ECochG on hearing threshold and structure preservation.
