The optimal probe tone frequency for eSRT measurements at individual electrodes in children with cochlear implants

Abstract

Background

Higher probe tone frequencies have been shown to increase the elicitation rates in electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT) measurements.

Objectives

To determine the optimal probe tone frequency for contralateral eSRT measurements at individual electrodes in children with unilateral cochlear implants and to assess the relationship between eSRTs for this frequency and most comfortable levels (M-levels).

Materials and methods

Contralateral eSRT measurements with three probe tone frequencies (226, 678, and 1000 Hz) at individual electrodes were performed on 26 paediatric Advanced Bionics cochlear implant recipients.

Results

The elicitation rates of eSRTs for 226, 678, and 1000 Hz probe tones were 73.08% (57/78), 88.46% (69/78), and 88.46% (69/78), respectively. The average eSRT for the 1000 Hz probe tone was significantly lower than those for 226 and 678 Hz probe tones (p<.001 and p=.009, respectively). ESRTs for the 1000 Hz probe tone and M-levels were significantly correlated at all tested electrodes (all p<.001).

Conclusions and significance

The optimal probe tone frequency for contralateral eSRT measurement at individual electrodes in children with unilateral cochlear implants is 1000 Hz. ESRTs for the 1000 Hz probe tone are significantly correlated with M-levels and can be used to guide the M-levels setting in these children.

Chinese abstract

背景：较高的探测音频率已被证明会增加电诱发镫骨肌反射阈值 (eSRT) 测量的诱发率。

目的：确定单侧人工耳蜗儿童单个电极对侧 eSRT 测量的最佳探测音频率, 并评估该频率的 eSRT 与最舒适水平（M 水平）之间的关系。

材料和方法：对 26 名儿童 Advanced Bionics 人工耳蜗接受者在单个电极上使用三个探测音频率（226、678 和 1000 Hz）进行对侧 eSRT 测量。

结果：eSRT 对 226、678 和 1000 Hz 探测音的诱发率分别为 73.08%（57/78）、88.46%（69/78）和 88.46%（69/78）。 1000 Hz 探测音的平均 eSRT 显著低于 226 和 678 Hz 探测音的平均 eSRT（分别为 p<.001 和 p=.009）。在所有测试电极上, 1000 Hz 探测音和 M 水平的 eSRT 显著相关（均为 p<.001）。

结论和意义：单侧人工耳蜗儿童单电极对侧 eSRT 测量的最佳探测频率为 1000 Hz。 1000 Hz 探测音的 eSRT 与 M 水平显著相关, 可用于规划这些儿童 M 水平的设置。

Keywords:

• Higher frequency probe tone
• electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold
• most comfortable levels
• cochlear implant

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Qihang Foundation Project of Fujian Medical University under Grant [2018QH1163].