ELECTRICALLY-EVOKED AUDITORY POTENTIALS - CURRENT CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH COCHLEAR IMPLANTS

Objective: To summarize the current applications of auditory evoked po tential in children with cochlear implants and candidates for implanta tion. Patients and Methods: Perioperative transtympanic EABR is used r outinely for ear selection and to establish the electrical stimulabili ty of the ear intended to be implanted. The perioperative transtympani c EABR is supplemented with EABR obtained immediately following the in sertion of the electrode array and the seating of the implant's receiv er. Postoperatively, EABR and averaged electrode voltages are used eff ectively to properly adjust the implant stimulus parameters and to det ermine whether the implant is functioning adequately. Postoperatively, cognitive evoked potentials to speech and tonal stimuli may also be o btained. Results: EABR results have contributed to effective implant p lacement and function. There were several significant correlations bet ween speech recognition and cognitive evoked potential. Conclusion: Th ese measures help assure proper implant function and effective stimulu s delivery.