Multicentre investigation on electrically evoked compound action potential and stapedius reflex: How do these objective measures relate to implant programming parameters?

Objectives: The aims of this study were to collect data on electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) and electrically evoked stapedius reflex thresholds (eSRT) in HiResolution ^TM cochlear implant (CI) users, and to explore the relationships between these objective measures and behavioural measures of comfort levels (M-levels). Methods: A prospective study on newly implanted subjects was designed. The eCAP was measured intraoperatively and at first fitting through neural response imaging (NRI), using the SoundWave ^TM fitting software. The eSRT was measured intra-operatively by visual monitoring of the stapes, using both singleelectrode stimulation and speech bursts (four electrodes stimulated at the same time). Measures of M-levels were performed according to standard clinical practice and collected at first fitting, 3 and 6 months of CI use. Results: One hundred seventeen subjects from 14 centres, all implanted unilaterally with a HiResolution CII Bionic Ear ^® or HiRes 90K ^®, were included in the study. Speech burst stimulation elicited a significantly higher eSRT success rate than single-electrode stimulation, 84 vs. 64% respectively. The NRI success rate was 81% intra-operatively, significantly increasing to 96% after 6 months. Fitting guidelines were defined on the basis of a single NRI measurement. Correlations, analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis were applied to generate a predictive model for the M-levels. Discussion: Useful insights were produced into the behaviour of objective measures according to time, electrode location, and fitting parameters. They may usefully assist in programming the CI when no reliable feedback is obtained through standard behavioural procedures.