Neural recovery function of the auditory nerve in cochlear implant surgery: Comparison between different regions of the cochlea

Abstract

Introduction

Cochlear implants allow measures of neural function, through Neural response telemetry (NRT) and Auditory nerve recovery function (REC). These help in programming the speech processor and understanding the auditory system. However, not many studies have evaluated and compared these in different regions of the cochlea.

Objective

Comparing NRT and REC in different regions of the cochlea.

Methods

Cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective. NRT and REC (through the function of T0 – absolute refractory period, A – amplitude and TAU – time constant of the relative refractory period parameters) were evaluated, in three groups according to the stimulated electrode of the cochlea: apical, medial and basal.

Results

26 adult patients were evaluated, 2 bilateral, totalling 28 ears. Data analysis showed no statistically significant difference between NRT between medial and basal but showed between apical and medial and apical and basal. For T0, there was a significant difference between medial and basal; for A, there was a significant difference between apical and basal and also medial and basal; and for TAU, there was no significant difference.

Conclusion

There was a statistically significant difference in NRT and REC when compared between different regions of the cochlea.

Keywords:

• Cochlear implants
• Postlingual hearing loss
• Neural response telemetry