INTRAOPERATIVE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL AND OBJECTIVE TESTS AFTER COCHLEAR REIMPLANTATION IN A YOUNG-CHILD

The electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) and stapedi us reflex threshold (ESRT) are routinely recorded during implant surge ry with the Nucleus 22 channel cochlear implant in the Nottingham Paed iatric Cochlear Implant Programme and are extremely valuable in the ma nagement of young implanted children. These intraoperative tests were carried out in a young child on the occasion of the first implantation and then after re-implantation 17 months later following malfunction of the first device. The surgical experiences of the first implantatio n and the re-implantation were both straightforward. Recordings of the intraoperative EABR and ESRT were typical of the expected pattern of responses on both occasions and there was only a small reduction in th reshold sensitivity after re-implantation. These investigations provid e valuable objective information to support and assist with the manage ment of reimplantation in a young child.