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An integrity test battery for the Nucleus Mini 22 Cochlear Implant System
R D Battmer1, D Gnadeberg, E Lehnhardt
1HNO-Klinik der Medizinischen Hochshule Hannover, Germany.
Summary
System failures in cochlear implants can be diagnosed using objective measurements. These tests help differentiate technical issues from physiological problems or psychogenic hearing disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Increasing global use of cochlear implants necessitates reliable methods for diagnosing system failures.
- Distinguishing between technical malfunctions, physiological issues, and psychogenic hearing disorders is crucial for effective patient management.
Observation:
- Objective measurements, including skin potential recordings and electrically elicited responses, are employed at Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover.
- A normally functioning cochlear implant generates a measurable electrical signal from skin electrodes.
- Absence of signal suggests a non-functioning device, while present signals allow assessment of auditory pathway function.
Findings:
- Eight internal device failures were observed in over 450 cochlear implant patients.
- Three patients experienced reduced or absent hearing due to auditory pathway disorders, despite device function.
Implications:
- Objective diagnostic tools are vital for identifying cochlear implant failures and guiding treatment strategies.
- Accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate management, whether it involves device repair, addressing physiological causes, or considering non-organic hearing loss.