Use of Neural Response Telemetry Measures to Objectively Set the Comfort Levels in the Nucleus 24 Cochlear Implant

Cochlear implant programming necessitates accurate setting of programming levels, including maximum stimulation levels, of all active electrodes. Frequently, clinical techniques are adequate for setting these levels; however, they are sometimes insufficient (e.g., very young children). In the Nucleus 24, several methods have been suggested for estimation of comfort levels (C levels) from neural response telemetry (NRT); however, many require co-application of clinical measurements. Data was obtained from 21 adult Nucleus 24 recipients to develop reliable predictions of C levels. Multiple regression analysis was performed on NRT threshold, slope of the NRT growth function, age, length of deafness, length of cochlear implant use and electrode impedance to examine predictive ability. Only the NRT threshold and slope of the growth function measures were significant predictors yielding R² values from 0.391 to 0.769. Results demonstrated that these measures may provide an alternative means of estimating C levels when other clinical measures are unavailable.

Key Words

Cochlear implants - neural response telemetry - programming levels