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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
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Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
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Impact of Cochlear Trauma Degree and Localization on Intracochlear Electrocochleographic Recordings
David Bächinger1,2, Merlin Schär1,2, Ahmet Kunut1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Audiology Research
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Electrocochleography (ECochG) can detect early cochlear trauma during cochlear implant surgery. Trauma location, not severity, significantly impacts ECochG signals, aiding hearing preservation.
Area of Science:
- Oto-neurology
- Surgical monitoring
- Auditory neurophysiology
Background:
- Electrocochleography (ECochG) shows promise for monitoring cochlear health during cochlear implant (CI) surgery.
- Interpreting ECochG signal changes during electrode insertion is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how cochlear trauma degree and location affect ECochG signals.
- Utilize a mouse model to understand ECochG changes during CI surgery.
Main Methods:
- Performed intracochlear ECochG recordings in mice.
- Inserted a platinum-iridium electrode during recordings.
- Assessed cochlear trauma via post-mortem histological analysis (grades 1 and 2).
Main Results:
- Reduced cochlear microphonic (CM) amplitude correlated with trauma location, especially basal trauma.
- CM amplitude drop was more dependent on trauma location than severity.
- ECochG detected early-stage (grade 1 or 2) trauma before more severe damage occurred.
Conclusions:
- Intracochlear ECochG is a reliable tool for detecting early, potentially reversible cochlear trauma during surgery.
- ECochG can help prevent severe damage and support hearing preservation.
- Interpret CM signal drops considering trauma location and cochlear integrity.
