Article
Preliminary Results with Banded Neural Response Imaging (NRI)
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Published: | May 31, 2005 |
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Outline
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Introduction
To study the relationship between single channel and banded (multi-electrode) NRI; to evaluate whether banded NRI is better correlated to program parameters than single channel NRI.
Materials and Methods
The HiResTM fitting system supports speechbursts, "banded" stimuli where typically four adjacent electrodes are stimulated together to determine fitting parameters threshold (T) and comfort level (M) closer to program levels than single electrode measures. Through new research software, banded stimuli may now be used to elicit NRI measurements. Being similar to the speech bursts used during programming, the banded stimuli may generate NRI responses better correlated to program parameters. Single channel NRI was recorded post-operatively using the SoundWave® fitting software. Banded NRI was recorded during the same session using research software. Psychophysical measurements of loudness growth were also performed, using a ten point loudness scale.
Results
Measurements were performed for ten adults. Growth functions, single and banded NRI thresholds and relationship to program parameters will be presented. Early results show that banded NRI responses have steeper growth functions and lower threshold than single channel measures. The banded NRI loudness growth function slope appears close to the subjects' loudness growth function for speech burst stimulation.
Conclusions
The similarity of banded NRI and speech burst loudness growth functions gives confidence that the new measure may more closely approximate real program parameters. Further data, particularly intra-operative banded NRI recordings, are necessary to underpin firm clinical guidelines for using banded NRI.