ESRT and MCL correlations in experienced paediatric cochlear implant users

Abstract

The use of electrically evoked stapedius reflex thresholds (eSRT) has been suggested as a useful means for creating a cochlear implant speech processor programme. Studies in adults have shown that there is a high correlation between eSRT programmes and programmes created through behavioural testing. This study assessed the viability of using eSRT to create speech processor programmes in children, an often difficult-to-test population. Seven children with an average cochlear implant experience of 1.1 years participated in the study. Their most comfortable levels (MCL), established either through behavioural testing or through eSRT, were compared to each other; and parents were asked about their observations on which programme was superior. There was a high correlation between MCLs (r(2) = 0.789), and there was no significant difference between the programmes, with the eSRT programme being slightly softer than the behavioural programme. Parents reported that the eSRT programme was as good as or better than the behavioural programme. Further studies need to be conducted on using the eSRT programme in the first fitting period in inexperienced cochlear implant users. However, current data suggest the viability of using eSRT programmes safely in the paediatric and difficult-to-assess population.

Unilateral Cochlear Implant Use Promotes Normal-Like Loudness Perception in Adolescents With Childhood Deafness

“…The ESR method has also been used to program CI speech processors in pediatric populations Lorens et al 2004;Caner et al 2007;Walkowiak et al 2010;Van Den Abbeele et al 2012) and was reported to cause less discomfort than traditional techniques (Bresnihan et al 2001). The correlation between the ESRT and C-level in children (R = 0.82) is similar to the reported value for adults (Hodges et al 1997;Kosaner et al 2009).…”

Evaluation of Objective Test Techniques in Cochlear Implant Users With Inner Ear Malformations

“…ESRTs also decreased from the apical to the basal regions. It also has been reported that correlations of ESRT with behaviorally set MCL levels weaken in basal regions (25,26).…”

Cochlear Implantation for Children and Adults with Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss

“…35 ESRT may be a more helpful tool for predicting a patient's C/M levels, and ESRT remains stable/consistent over time postoperatively for both children and adults. [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] ESRT is similar to AR thresholds, where the static admittance of the ear canal is monitored in response to varying amounts of sound input delivered through the CI. Despite its potential clinical utility, ESRT may not be successfully measured in approximately 20 to 30% of patients.…”