title: A uniform graphical representation of intensity coding in current-generation cochlear implant systems.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Understanding and predicting the impact of MAP changes on the electrical current delivered at the level of cochlear implant (CI) electrodes is challenging. However, it is an important prerequisite for effectively programming these devices in clinical practice. This article describes a graphical representation to illustrate the intensity-coding behavior of four CI systems (Cochlear, MED-EL, Advanced Bionics, and Neurelec).
  
  
  METHODS
  For this the authors have broken down the intensity coding into two separate transformations: (1) from broadband acoustical input to band limited channel amplitude and (2) the mapping function within a single channel. These functions have been synthesized and presented in a uniform plot across brands.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The plot describes the output of a CI channel in response to different input signals. This has been incorporated in an interactive software application that illustrates the different stages of intensity coding and the impact of the relevant fitting parameters for each CI brand.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The plot provides the clinician with an assistive tool to better understand and predict the behavior of CIs, which may lead to more knowledgeable interpretation and CI programming.
authors.affiliation: 1The Eargroup, Antwerp-Deurne, Belgium; 2Laboratory of Biomedical Physics, University of Antwerp, Belgium; 3Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, Australia; 4MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria; 5Advanced Bionics, Stäfa, Switzerland; and 6Neurelec, Vallauris, France.
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vaerenberg
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Govaerts
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stainsby
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nopp
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gault
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gnansia
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012984:Software