Preliminary experience with neural response telemetry in the nucleus CI24M cochlear implant.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare recordings of the electrically evoked whole nerve action potential (EAP) made using the reverse telemetry system of the Nucleus CI24M device with those recorded from individuals who use the Ineraid cochlear implant system.

STUDY DESIGN

Data were collected in a prospective fashion from Nucleus CI24M cochlear implant users and compared with retrospective data collected from patients who use the Ineraid device.

SETTING

All data were collected at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

PATIENTS

Data are reported from 8 patients who use the Nucleus CI24M cochlear implant and 20 patients who use the Ineraid cochlear implant system.

INTERVENTIONS

The interventions described in this study were diagnostic in nature.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

EAP growth and refractory recovery data are reported. EAP thresholds recorded from patients who use the Nucleus CI24M device also are compared with behavioral thresholds for the stimulus used to evoke the EAP as well as the stimulation levels needed to program the speech processor.

RESULTS

EAP morphology, growth, and refractory recovery functions recorded using the Nucleus CI24M reverse telemetry system compared favorably with similar measures recorded from Ineraid cochlear implant users.

CONCLUSIONS

Reasonable EAP responses can be recorded using the Nucleus CI24M device. More data are needed to determine whether the information about neural responsiveness available with this device will be clinically useful.