Long Term Changes of Electrical Stimulation Levels in Children with Cochlear Implant / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The goal of mapping after cochlear implantation (CI) is to find a proper range of acoustic signals for the implantees. In young children or infants, however, it is more difficult to obtain reliable responses during mapping procedure. The purpose of this study was to observe the changes of the proper electrical stimulation levels (threshold levels, comfortable levels and dynamic range) in children with the Nucleus 24 cochlear implant system by analyzing postoperative mapping results. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The maps of 23 children with normal inner ear who received CI were examined at 7 time intervals (1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months post-connection). RESULTS: The mean value of C levels and DR of 23 children gradually increased according to time from 1 month to 60 months post-connection. The value of T level increased up to 6 months post-connection and then stabilized. CONCLUSION: This study emphasized the need for frequent mapping in the first 6 months of implant use in children. Protocol for regular mapping schedule from 1 year to 5 year post-connection would be necessary.