EVALUATION OF ELECTRICALLY ELICITED STAPEDIUS REFLEX THRESHOLD MEASURED THROUGH 3 DIFFERENT COCHLEAR IMPLANT SYSTEMS

Objective: To evaluate intraoperative electrically elicited strapedius reflex thresholds (ESRTs) measure through three different cochlear im plant systems: the Nucleus Mini 22, the Clarion Enhanced Bipolar, and the Med-El Combi-40. Subjects and Methods: Relations between intraoper ative ESRT and postoperative maximum comfort level (MCL) were examined in seven children (4 Nucleus, 2 Clarion, and 1 Med-El) and one adult (Clarion). Results: Preliminary results indicated most ESRTs were eith er higher or both higher and lower (across the electrode array within a subject) than MCLs. All systems provided satisfactory means for meas uring ERSTs. Conclusion: It is recommended that hand-held systems have a direct readout to the programming station and that audio and visual feedback be improved for all units.