Electromyographical recording of the electrically elicited stapedius reflex via a bipolar hook electrode.

OBJECTIVE

To prove the feasibility of recording stapedius reflexes by bipolar electromyography intra-operatively during cochlea implant via a bipolar hook needle electrode.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Adults receiving a MED-EL cochlear implant.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Stapedius reflex responses can be recorded by electromyography.

RESULTS

A double hook electrode could be inserted into the muscle tissue via the natural opening of the pyramid process along with the stapedius tendon. In 7 out of 10 patients supplied with MED-EL CIs (PULSARCI100 or SONATATI100), electrically elicited stapedius reflex potentials were recorded after eliminating stimulation artifacts caused by electromagnetic fields during electrical stimulation by low pass filtering.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative stapedius reflex recording by bipolar electromyography via a hook electrode is feasible. Further research will show whether these signals may be used for establishing a self-adjusting speech processor.