Electric auditory brain stem response in pediatric patients with cochlear implants.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce four comprehensive electrical auditory brain stem response (EABR) parameters that objectively measure the input-output function and may be the base of comparison in related studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 53 children (106 ears), recordings of the EABR evoked by electrical stimulation at the promontory were made at the time of surgery after the child was anesthetized and before cochlear implantation.

RESULTS

Of the 106 ears studied, 81 (76.4%) produced clearly defined responses. These responses were used to develop a package of four comprehensive EABR parameters (slope, maximal slope, relative growth rate, and maximal relative growth rate) that measure objectively the input-output function. The methods of calculation are described in detail.

CONCLUSION

These parameters may help us to refine and make more consistent the subjective EABR evaluation. They will also enable a comparison of the results from different cochlear implant centers and promote the progress of related research.