Basis of electrical stimulation of the cochlea and the cochlear nucleus.
Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of deafness in humans. In patients with a severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss therapeutic intervention can only be achieved by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve via a cochlear implant, or - in cases where a cochlear implant is not a surgical option - neurons within the central auditory pathway via an auditory brainstem implant. This paper reviews the basis of electrical stimulation of these structures with an emphasis on pathophysiology and safety.
Shepherd
Robert K
RK
The Bionic Ear Institute, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Australia.
McCreery
Douglas B
DB
D000818:Animals; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003056:Cochlear Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017626:Cochlear Nucleus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008839:Microelectrodes / Q000009:adverse effects; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome