Using electrically evoked auditory reflex thresholds to fit the CLARION (R) cochlear implant

This paper describes a method for measuring electrically elicited auditory reflex thresholds (EARTs) in young children who use the CLARION(R) Multi-St rategy(TM) Cochlear Implant. The EART is an objective measure that can guid e the fitting of a cochlear implant in individuals who are unable to perfor m behavioral tasks required to program the device. Reflexes were obtained i n 11 of 17 pediatric Clarion users. The EART current level indicated a poin t at which an auditory percept was present and the sound was loud, but not uncomfortable. The EART then was used as a basis for conditioning behaviora l responses, and as a guideline for setting most comfortable loudness level s.