gms | German Medical Science

Fourth International Symposium and Workshops: Objective Measures in Cochlear Implants

Medical University of Hannover

01.06. bis 04.06.2005, Hannover

Preliminary Results with Banded Neural Response Imaging (NRI)

Meeting Abstract

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  • corresponding author L. Arnold - Advanced Bionics Europe, Rixheim, France
  • P. Boyle - Advanced Bionics Europe, Rixheim, France

Medical University of Hannover, Department of Otolaryngology. Fourth International Symposium and Workshops: Objective Measures in Cochlear Implants. Hannover, 01.-04.06.2005. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2005. Doc05omci028

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/omci2005/05omci028.shtml

Published: May 31, 2005

© 2005 Arnold et al.
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Outline

Text

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.