Cochlear potentials in clinical audiology.

The recording of cochlear and auditory nerve potentials in humans via Electrocochleography (ECochG) has emerged as a valuable tool for a variety of clinical applications. This review consolidates current research on the use of cochlear potentials and ECochG in the clinical setting and identifies several areas in need of additional study. Methodological topics discussed include a review of ECochG recording approaches (i.e. transtympanic versus extratympanic) and issues related to choice of stimuli (clicks versus tonebursts). The review of current applications for cochlear potentials focuses primarily on the use of ECochG in the identification and treatment of Ménière's disease/endolymphatic hydrops (MD/ELH). Other uses for ECochG also are presented (e.g. intraoperative monitoring, enhancement of ABR wave I, estimation of hearing sensitivity). Several suggestions are offered to maximize the predictive value of ECochG in the diagnosis of MD/ELH.