Patterns of Electrocochleography drops in cochlear implant recipients

Summary We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. As part of this monitoring, we often see a sudden drop in cochlear output, which we hypothesize is due to a trauma occurring to the inner-ear. We have demonstrated that drops of a certain size are correlated with greater losses of hearing post-operatively. These drops can occur rapidly or slowly at multiple parts during the insertion. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether the timing, size, or slope of these drops affects the severity of post-operative hearing loss.

Project Details

A goal of modern cochlear implantation is to protect any natural, residual hearing the patient may have. We are pioneering the use of intra-operative monitoring of hearing function during cochlear implantation to actively preserve this function in theatre. As part of this monitoring, we often see a sudden drop in cochlear output, which we hypothesize is due to a trauma occurring to the inner-ear. We have demonstrated that drops of a certain size are correlated with greater losses of hearing post-operatively. These drops can occur rapidly or slowly at multiple parts during the insertion. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether the timing, size, or slope of these drops affects the severity of post-operative hearing loss. As part of this project, you will be working closely with an existing database, as well as collecting additional data from cochlear implant recipients, as well as working with our industry partner, Cochlear Ltd.