Evaluation of electrically elicited stapedius reflex threshold measured through three different cochlear implant systems.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate intraoperative electrically elicited stapedius reflex thresholds (ESRTs) measured through three different cochlear implant systems: the Nucleus Mini 22, the Clarion Enhanced Bipolar, and the Med-El Combi-40.


METHODS
Relations between intraoperative ESRT and postoperative maximum comfort level (MCL) were examined in seven children (4 Nucleus, 2 Clarion, and 1 Med-El) and one adult (Clarion).


RESULTS
Preliminary results indicated most ESRTs were either higher or both higher and lower (across the electrode array within a subject) than MCLs. All systems provided satisfactory means for measuring ERSTs.


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended that hand-held systems have a direct readout to the programming station and that audio and visual feedback be improved for all units.
Opie
J M
JM
Cochlear AG, Basel, Switzerland.
Allum
J H
JH
Probst
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D002648:Child; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D012018:Reflex; D013198:Stapedius / Q000502:physiology*