Changes in stimulation levels over time in nucleus 22 cochlear implant users

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes that occur over time in t he electrical stimulation levels of cochlear implant users. A retrospective review of program summaries for 26 postlingually deafened adult Nucleus co chlear implant users was completed. Program summaries were used to assess c hanges in electrical stimulation at threshold (T) and Maximum comfort (C) l evels. Comparisons were made at intervals including the subject's initial s timulation and 2-week, 3-month, 6-month, I-year, and most recent programmin g sessions. Five patients had 5 years or more of implant use; 8 patients ha d 3 to 5 years or more of implant use; and the remainder had been using the ir implant for 2 to 3 years. No patient with less than 2 years of implant u se was included. Results indicated that changes in stimulation levels occur gradually over time. Although the changes in stimulation levels from one p rogramming session to the next were not significant, the changes in current requirements for both T and C levels were found to be significant when we compared the 6-month and most recent programming intervals.