Cochlear Implants & Implantable Hearing Devices Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Cochlear Implants & Implantable Hearing Devices flashcards as text
Which structure in the cochlea is the target for cochlear implant electrode array insertion?
Answer: Scala tympani
The electrode array is inserted into the scala tympani because it is more accessible via the round window or cochleostomy and is closest to the spiral ganglion neurons.
What is the minimum unaided pure-tone average (PTA) criterion typically used for adult cochlear implant candidacy in the better-hearing ear?
Answer: 70 dB HL
Current FDA guidelines and most centers require a PTA of 70 dB HL or greater in the better ear as part of adult cochlear implant candidacy.
Which speech recognition score threshold is commonly used as part of adult CI candidacy evaluation?
Answer: Less than 60% on aided CNC word recognition
Adults scoring less than 60% on aided CNC monosyllabic word recognition tests in the best-aided condition typically meet speech perception criteria for CI candidacy.
What does the term 'neural response telemetry' (NRT) or 'neural response imaging' (NRI) measure during cochlear implant programming?
Answer: The electrically evoked compound action potential of the auditory nerve
NRT/NRI measures the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) of the auditory nerve, providing objective data to guide initial CI programming.
In cochlear implant programming, what does 'T-level' (threshold level) refer to?
Answer: The minimum level of electrical stimulation that produces a just-audible percept
The T-level is the minimum electrical stimulation level at which the CI recipient just barely perceives sound, analogous to a threshold in behavioral audiometry.
Which condition is considered a contraindication to cochlear implantation?
Answer: Absent or severely deficient auditory nerve (cochlear nerve aplasia)
Cochlear nerve aplasia or severe deficiency renders a cochlear implant ineffective because there are insufficient auditory nerve fibers to transmit the electrical signal to the brain.
What is the primary advantage of a 'bimodal' fitting for a cochlear implant recipient?
Answer: Combines a CI in one ear with a hearing aid in the opposite ear to improve speech perception, especially in noise
Bimodal hearing pairs a CI with a conventional hearing aid in the contralateral ear, leveraging residual acoustic hearing to improve speech understanding in noise and music perception.