Two different methods to digitally visualize continuous electrocochleography potentials during cochlear implantation:...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cochlear implantation (CI) aims to restore hearing but can impact residual hearing.
• Previous methods lacked continuous monitoring during electrode insertion.
• Real-time visualization of electrocochleographic potentials (ECochG) offers a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability of real-time ECochG visualization during CI electrode insertion.
• To assess the impact of this visualization on long-term residual hearing preservation.
• To determine if the technology affects surgeon workload or performance.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients with residual hearing underwent CI using Flex26 or Flex28 electrodes.
• ECochG responses were visualized in real-time during electrode insertion using specialized software (MAESTRO Software).
• Two display methods (graph and arrows) were used; postoperative hearing thresholds were measured.

Main Results:

• Successful real-time ECochG visualization was achieved in all cases, allowing surgeon adaptation.
• Mean electrode insertion time was 114 seconds.
• Postoperative hearing thresholds were comparable to preoperative levels, indicating successful hearing preservation. ECochG amplitudes varied between patients with and without residual hearing.

Conclusions:

• Advanced ECochG software with real-time visualization effectively enables residual hearing preservation during CI.
• The visualization technology did not negatively impact surgeon performance or workload.
• Further studies with larger populations are needed to confirm long-term effects on hearing thresholds and cochlear structures.