Ojective Intraoperative Method to Record Averaged Electromyographic Stapedius Muscle Reflexes in Cochlear Implant Patients: Metodo objetivo transoperatorio para el registro electromiográfico promediado de los reflejos del müAsculo estapedial en pacientes con implante coclear

Abstract

We have developed a procedure to measure the averaged stapedius muscle reflex in response to electrical stimulation (AESR) with a cochlear implant. The AESR, as activated by ipsilateral stimulation with a cochlear implant, was investigated intra-operatively in a series of 12 children. After the cochlear implant was placed into the cochlea and secured by the surgeon, an electromyographic (EMG) needle electrode was gently placed into the stapedius muscle. During stimulation of the cochlear implant, the stapedius reflex was monitored visually (VESR) and as an averaged EMG response (AESR). Consistent AESRs were obtained in 7 of the 12 children. These measures provide a method to obtain stapedius muscle responses that may be helpful in the programming oi young children with cochlear implants. Comparative post-operative measures were also obtained, including behavioral threshold levels, behavioral comfort levels, and the contralateral stapedius reflex threshold (ESR) on selected electrodes.

Key Words:

• Cochlear implant
• Averaged electrical stapedius reflex (AESR)
• Visual electrical stapedius reflex (VESR)
• Contralateral electrical stapedius reflex (ESR)
• Threshold level
• Comfort level