语后聋人工耳蜗患者音乐节奏与音色感知能力的评价

目的 评价成人语后聋人工耳蜗使用者感知音乐中节奏和音色的能力.方法 选取年龄与音乐经验相匹配的听力正常受试者与人工耳蜗使用者各12名,均为男5名,女7名.应用人工耳蜗音乐评估软件( Musical Sounds in Cochlear Implants,MuSIC)中的节奏辨别、乐器识别与乐器数辨别测试评价两组受试者的音乐节奏和音色感知能力.结果 12名人工耳蜗受试者平均节奏辨别率为84.4％,与听力正常受试者(85.1％)比较,差异无统计学意义(t=0.116,P＞0.05);人工耳蜗受试者平均乐器识别率为72.3％、乐器数辨别正确率为39.2％,均低于听力正常受试者平均88.3％和73.5％的正确率,差异具有统计学意义(t值分别为2.498和4.673,P值均＜0.05).结论 成人语后聋人工耳蜗使用者的节奏辨别能力与听力正常人相似,但音色感知能力明显差于听力正常人群.     

Cochlear function following implantation with a full electrode array

Abstract

Objectives: Clinicians traditionally advise patients that implantation with a conventional full cochlear implant array will lead to loss of any remaining hearing in the implanted ear. We sought to assess the extent to which ‘standard’ insertion of a full electrode array affects cochlear function.

Methods: Air conduction pure tone audiometry was performed as part of the routine 6-month postimplantation audiological assessment for 81 adult patients who preoperatively had identifiable pure tone thresholds. All patients were implanted with the nucleus CI24 device, with complete insertion of a straight array in 68 and a contour array in 13 patients. A separate cochleostomy was fashioned anterior to the round window using a 1 mm diamond burr, and the array inserted without lubrication. The operating surgeon was blinded to the inclusion of patients in this study at the time of surgery.

Results: Of 81 patients, 58 preserved some residual hearing at 6 months. The rate of preservation of hearing was higher in the low frequencies. At 500 Hz 77 patients had an identifiable preoperative pure tone threshold, still identifiable postoperatively in 48. At 4 kHz only 25 patients had an identifiable preoperative threshold, preserved in 9, and at 8 kHz 6 of 13 patients still had identifiable pure tone thresholds postoperatively.

There was no correlation between the depth of insertion and hearing preservation, both groups having a mean of 5 stiffening rings inserted in addition to the 22 active electrodes.

The mean deterioration in threshold in those who had residual hearing was 15 dB at 500 Hz, and in 29 patients the deterioration in the threshold was less than 15 dB.

Conclusion: Insertion of a full conventional electrode array is not as damaging to cochlear function as often assumed. Residual low-frequency hearing may be preserved in approximately two-thirds of patients 6 months postoperatively. This study supports our counselling patients that despite the delicate nature of the inner ear there is a significant chance that their air conduction hearing will not be lost.     

Three challenges for future research on cochlear implants

Cochlear implants (CIs) often work very well for many children and adults with profound sensorineural (SNHL) hearing loss. Unfortunately, while many CI patients display substantial benefits in recognizing speech and understanding spoken language following cochlear implantation, a large number of patients achieve poor outcomes. Understanding and explaining the reasons for poor outcomes following implantation is a very challenging research problem that has received little attention despite the pressing clinical significance. In this paper, we discuss three challenges for future research on CIs. First, we consider the issue of individual differences and variability in outcomes following implantation. At the present time, we still do not have a complete and satisfactory account of the causal underlying factors that are responsible for the enormous individual differences and variability in outcomes. Second, we discuss issues related to the lack of preimplant predictors of outcomes. Very little prospective research has been carried out on the development of preimplant predictors that can be used to reliably identify CI candidates who may be at high risk for a poor outcome following implantation. Other than conventional demographics and hearing history, there are no prognostic tools available to predict speech recognition outcomes after implantation. Finally, we discuss the third challenge — what to do with a CI-user who has a poor outcome. We suggest that new research efforts need to be devoted to studying this neglected clinical population in greater depth to find out why they are doing poorly with their CI and what novel interventions and treatments can be developed to improve their speech recognition outcomes. Using these three challenges as objectives for future research on CIs, we suggest that the field needs to adopt a new narrative grounded in theory and methods from Cognitive Hearing Science and information processing theory. Without knowing which specific biological and neurocognitive factors are responsible for individual differences or understanding the underlying sensory and neurocognitive basis for variability in performance, it is impossible to select a specific approach to habilitation after a deaf adult or child receives a CI. Deaf adults and children who are performing poorly with their CIs are not a homogeneous group and may differ in many different ways from each other, reflecting the dysfunction of multiple brain systems associated with both congenital and acquired deafness. Hearing loss is not only an ear issue, it is also a brain issue too reflecting close links between perception and action and brain, body and world working together as a functionally integrated information processing system to support robust speech recognition and spoken language processing after implantation.     

The knowledge and beliefs regarding practical aspects of cochlear implants: A study of otorhinolaryngologists in a secondary setting in a multi-country study

Objective: The main goal of this study was to determine the knowledge and beliefs of otorhinolaryngologists in a secondary setting in selected economically advanced European countries concerning severe hearing loss, hearing aids, and cochlear implants (CIs). Secondary goals of the study looked into the information sources of the otorhinolaryngologists and into key topics of importance for these professionals. In Europe, many adults, who could benefit from a CI, do not have one despite their availability via national health care systems. This lack of coverage might be due, in part, to the knowledge and beliefs of otorhinolaryngologists.

Methods: Otorhinolaryngologists in a secondary setting in Germany, England, France, Austria, and Sweden were emailed a custom-made questionnaire on their knowledge and beliefs regarding hearing loss and its treatments. Results were presented in relative frequencies (%) according to each nation.

Results: Two-hundred and forty otorhinolaryngologists responded (50 from each nation except Sweden). Each nation regarded rehabilitation and hearing preservation as particularly important in CIs. National and international conferences and conversations with colleagues were much more popular methods of keeping abreast of medical issues than other information sources such as online media or company information.

Conclusion: The otorhinolaryngologists of the surveyed nations share many common beliefs about hearing loss, hearing aids, and CIs, although some national variation in opinion is present. The otorhinolaryngologists of each nation are knowledgeable, but could still benefit from an increased knowledge and awareness of hearing loss treatment modalities.     

Positron emission tomography in cochlear implant and auditory brainstem implant recipients

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was used to evaluate the brain's response to auditory stimulation, including speech. Five cases of adults illustrate the utility of PET to illuminate auditory processing with cochlear or brainstem implants. Subjects showed varying degrees of success in processing speech, which was reflected in the resulting PET images. Functional speech processing was associated with activation in areas classically associated with speech processing. In one patient who did not achieve functional speech processing, activation in frontal regions suggests that the subject used other cognitive strategies to assist auditory processing. Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the participant will be introduced to the principles of PET and the application of this technology to deaf patients who have received an implanted auditory prosthesis.     

Effect of total intravenous anaesthesia on intraoperative monitoring of cochlear implant function in paediatric patients

Abstract

There is increasing evidence in medical literature which proves that post-operative outcomes in children implanted early are better. Initial setting of these children's stimulation parameters is challenging because of their limited communication abilities. Intraoperative electrical impedance measurements, electrically evoked stapedial reflex threshold (ESRT) and evoked compound action potential (ECAP) are used for implant settings in some centres as no cooperation is required from the child.

Aim

Evaluate the effects of intravenous anaesthesia on intraoperative monitoring of cochlear implant function in paediatric cochlear implantees at our centre.

Method

Prospective study from January 2011 to December 2011.

Cohort: 29 children. Age - 18 months to 11 yrs.

All children had bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Children with compromised neural/cochlear anatomy were excluded.

Patients were maintained on an infusion of Fentanyl @ 0.3–0.6 ugm/kg/hr and Propofol @ 4–8 mg/kg/hr intraoperatively.

Intraoperative measurements were done after performing the train of four test on the adductor pollicis muscle

Results

It was observed that ESRT was unaffected by intravenous anaesthesia. Electrical impedance and ECAP were not affected by any technique of anaesthesia.

Conclusion

Intravenous anaesthesia has little or no effect on the intraoperative auditory thresholds and is therefore recommended for determining these thresholds during cochlear implant surgery.     

Pitch estimation of a deeply inserted cochlear implant electrode

In this short communication, we evaluate the place-pitch relation of a newly designed, deeply inserted, cochlear implant electrode. The insertion depths ranged from 471° to 662°. Pitch perception was measured in eight subjects with monopolar stimulation on each electrode contact at intensities of 50% and 80% of the dynamic range. We observed a monotonic reduction of pitch estimate with insertion depth. For about half of the subjects, a flattening of the pitch estimate at the basal end of the electrode was seen, while for the other half, pitch continued to decrease monotonically up to the most apical part of the array. We conclude that deeper insertion could increase pitch range for at least some cochlear implant recipients, and could hence potentially increase group performance.     

Patients' involvement in choosing a cochlear implant

Abstract

Objective

The study describes the procedure followed by the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre, Southampton in involving the patients in their choice of device and it also describes the reasons given by patients for choosing a particular device.

Methods

A retrospective service evaluation of 43 adults and 19 children was carried out and the data was analysed.

Results

A wide range of reasons for choosing a particular device were reported. However, it is notable that the single most common reason for choosing a particular device was related to the aesthetics.

Discussion

The data suggest that the main reason for choosing a particular device related more to the aesthetics and comfort of the device irrespective of the technical aspects.     

REZ-1人工耳蜗电极植入方法的改进研究

目的 探讨使REZ-1人工耳蜗电极靠近蜗轴的植入方法.方法 22例尸头标本CT扫描测量耳蜗直径后,植入REZ-1人工耳蜗电极,完成植入后回撤1～2个电极环,耳蜗位摄片,测量蜗轴与电极环之间距离是否有所改变.测量60例CT扫描显示一侧中耳、内耳结构正常病例的耳蜗直径.结果 22例标本中3例植入27个电极环,19例植入28个电极环.回撤电极后,与回撤前相比17例标本中第12至第19个电极环与蜗轴的距离减小(配对t检验,P<0.01),该17例标本的耳蜗直径均小于9.50 mm;而耳蜗直径大于9.60 mm的5例标本均没有出现电极环靠近蜗轴的改变.17例电极回撤后靠近蜗轴的标本耳蜗直径为9.11(0.57)mm[中位数(四分位数间距),下同],另外5例标本耳蜗卣径为9.78(0.28)mm,二者差异具有统计学意义(Mann-Whitney秩和检验,P<0.001).60例正常耳蜗直径(x±s)为(9.04±0.45)mm,90%小于9.50 mm.结论 REZ-1人工耳蜗电极植入后回撤电极的植入方法可以使耳蜗直径小于9.50 mm的患者底回内部分电极环靠近蜗轴.术前CT扫描测量耳蜗直径可以为REZ-1人工耳蜗电极选择植入方法提供帮助.     

The role of post-operative imaging in cochlear implant surgery: A review of 220 adult cases

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the incidence of abnormal radiological findings after cochlear implantation and their effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of 220 adult cochlear implants. Clinical records and post-operative plain X-rays were reviewed and compared with pre-operative and 6-month post-operative City University of New York (CUNY) speech scores.

Results

There were no cases of extra-cochlear array misplacement. Imaging showed 20 cases of incomplete array insertion (9.2%), 3 cases of kinking of the array (1.4%), 2 cases of tip rollover (0.9%), and 1 case of apparent array fracture (0.5%). Patient management was not altered by abnormal imaging. Patients with abnormal radiological findings had slightly minor improvements (median 39 vs. 56%) in City University of New York (CUNY) speech discrimination scores at 6 months (Mann–Whitney U test, P = 0.043).

Conclusion

All abnormalities on post-operative imaging were minor and did not alter patient management. The future role of post-operative imaging is discussed.     

Social hearing measured with the Performance Inventory for Profound and Severe Loss: a comparison between adult multichannel cochlear implant patients and users of acoustical hearing aids

The objective of this study was to investigate social hearing in successful users of multichannel cochlear implants (CIs) and to compare the scores with those of a group of hearing-impaired adults using acoustical hearing aids (HAs). Out of 88 patients who had undergone surgery, 75 CI users with a mean age of 55 years and a mean pre-operative hearing level of 113dB in the better ear were compared with 59 users of acoustical HAs with a mean age of 56 years and a mean hearing level of 82dB in the better ear. Seven CI patients were non-users and were excluded from the study. The Performance Inventory for Profound and Severe Loss, a questionnaire that measures different aspects of hearing handicap, was used. The CI group scored significantly better than the HA group in three of six evaluated categories, measuring subjective intensity of sounds, speech with visual cues, and response to auditory failure. Awareness of environmental sounds, speech with no visual cues and personal reactions did not differ significantly. The group of successful CI users scored higher on a self-report measure than did a group of users of acoustical HAs with moderate- severe-profound deafness. The best CI users scored better than the best HA users, and the worst CI users scored worse than the worst HA users.     

An X-ray fluorescence microscopic analysis of the tissue surrounding the multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the tissue surrounding the University of Melbourne's (UOMs) multi-channel cochlear implant electrode array and cochlear limited replacements, after long-term implantations. In particular, it aimed to identify the particulate material in the fibrous tissue capsule of the arrays implanted in 1978, 1983, and 1998, by using the Australian Synchrotron for X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) to reveal the characteristic spectrum of metal, in particular platinum. This also helped to determine its format and chemical state. Tissue was retrieved following the recipient's death in 2007.

Methods: Tissue was fixed and sections taken across the UOM and Cochlear Corporation (CI-22 and CI-24) electrode tracks. These were stained with Masson's trichrome. The Australian Synchrotron enabled XFM to accurately identify platinum from its characteristic fluorescence spectrum.

Results: There was a fibrous tissue capsule (about 100-µm thick) and small regions of calcification around the UOM and CI-22 arrays, but a thinner capsule (40–60-µm thick) around CI-24, and a greater degree of calcification. Dark particulate matter was observed within macrophages and especially in fibrous tissue in proximity to the UOM and CI-22 arrays. This was identified as platinum using X-ray fluorescence. There was also diffusion of platinum into the tissue surrounding the UOM and CI-22 electrodes and fine particles had penetrated the spiral ligament.

Discussion: The larger particulate matter in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 arrays suggested that it had flaked off in the manufacturing of the UOM electrodes. The more diffuse spread of platinum in the tissue around the UOM and CI-22 electrodes was likely due to electrolysis, probably from charge imbalance with the bipolar pulses from the UOM implant. This did not occur with the Cochlear CI-24 device. Furthermore, the widespread fine particles of platinum could have also been due to corrosion, especially from the UOM electrodes.     

Occurrence of major complications after cochlear implant surgery in Ireland

Objectives: Cochlear implantation (CI) is considered an effective and relatively safe procedure for patients with severe-profound hearing loss. However, severe complications are reported in several studies. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency and management of major complications following CI surgery at the National CI Programme (NCIP) in Ireland.

Methods: Major complications were defined according to the classification of Hansen et al. 2010. The medical records of 1017 patients undergoing CI between 1995 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively for major complications. In addition, radiological and intraoperative findings as well as therapeutic management of all patients with a major complication were reviewed.

Results: Altogether, 1017 patients underwent 1266 CI surgeries. The median follow-up of all CI surgeries was 44 months. The total number of major complications identified was 21 which corresponds to an overall rate of 1.7%. The majority of major complication (71%) occurred at least one week after surgery. The most common major complications were internal receiver/stimulator protrusion and migration (6/21), followed by migration of the electrode array (4/21) and recurrent otitis media requiring re-implantation (4/21). All patients with major complications required additional surgery, with reimplantation necessary in 19 patients (90%).

Discussion: CI surgery is a safe surgical procedure for hearing rehabilitation associated with a low rate of severe complications. However, major complications can occur many years after surgery, making revision surgery necessary.

Conclusion: Long-term follow-up is necessary for the early identification of complications to facilitate appropriate care.     

Surgical efficiency in bilateral cochlear implantation: A cost analysis

Abstract

Objective

(1) Compare the non-device-related costs of bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation (BSiCI) vs. unilateral, and (2) establish a dollar amount for potential cost savings in direct costs for BSiCI vs. sequential cochlear implantation (CI).

Methods

Data from all CI cases performed during the fiscal year 2010–2011 were retrospectively reviewed without exception. Fifty-four patients received unilateral CI and 36 received BSiCI. Demographics and data regarding direct costs associated with the operation and immediate in hospital post-operative period were collected.

Results

The total operating room (OR) time for unilateral and BSiCI was 3 hours 00 minutes and 4 hours 37 minutes, respectively, with a mean difference of 1 hour and 36 minutes (SD = 0 hours:06 minutes). The cost of OR and post-anesthetic care unit supporting staff was $3102 and $4240 for unilateral and BSiCI, respectively, with a mean difference of $1138 (SD = 216). Unilateral CI supplies totaled $1348 compared to $1822 for BSiCI supplies with an average difference of $438 (SD = 123).

Conclusion

The total direct costs for a unilateral CI (excluding implantable device and surgeon fees) were $4362 compared to $5823 dollars for BSiCI. Simultaneous implantation can lead to a potential saving of $2901 compared to sequential implantation.     

Impact of cochlear implantation on peripheral vestibular function in adults

ObjectiveCochlear implantation may have a detrimental effect on vestibular function and residual hearing. Our goal was to investigate the impact of cochlear implantation on peripheral vestibular function and the symptomatology that ensues.Material and methodsA prospective observational study included all adults undergoing cochlear implantation by the same operator between July 2014 and December 2015, with pre- and postoperative (4 months) neurovestibular balance examination comprising a questionnaire and clinical tests [head impulse test (HIT), head-shaking test (HST), skull vibration test (SVT)] and instrumental tests [caloric test of the lateral semicircular canal and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP)].ResultsTwenty-two patients were included, with a mean age of 62 years and sex-ratio of 1.2. Before implantation, 50% of subjects (n = 11) reported at least one episode of vertigo associated with balance disorder during their life. After implantation, there were 11 cases of vertigo but only one patient described persistent discomfort related to vertigo 4 months after surgery. Patients with impaired vestibular function after 4 months, taking all symptoms together, were all aged more than 75 years. HIT was abnormal in 18% of cases before implantation and in 59% after (P = NS). HST showed nystagmus in one patient both before and after surgery. Only 18% of patients showed nystagmus induced by SVT before surgery, increasing to one-third after surgery (P = NS). Caloric test of the lateral canal showed hypofunction in 50% of cases before surgery, including 10% of cases with areflexia. This rate increased after surgery to 58%, with 18% areflexia (P = NS). cVEMPs were not detected in 68% of cases before implantation and this rate increased to 86% after surgery (P = NS). There were no significant associations (P > 0.05) between test results and symptoms.ConclusionsIn the medium term, although older subjects more frequently presented vestibular disorder, cochlear implantation induced little vertigo or balance disorder, sometimes even improving vestibular function. However, vestibular disorders were frequent preoperatively and increased postoperatively. We tested vestibular function on different stimulation frequencies and yet found no correlation between postoperative test results and postoperative vertigo.     

The bony cochlear nerve canal in children with absent or hypoplastic cochlear nerves

Objective

To correlate presence and size of the bony cochlear nerve canal [BCNC] with size of the internal auditory meatus [IAM] on CT in children with absent or hypoplastic cochlear nerves [CNs] as compared to age matched controls.

Methods

This retrospective case-notes review was based in the departments of Cochlear Implantation and Neuroradiology at a tertiary paediatric hospital. Twenty-five ears of fifteen children (subjects) with profound sensorineural deafness (SND) and absent or hypoplastic CN on MRI scan were compared to age matched controls. Two groups of controls were included; a control group of nineteen ears of twelve children with normal hearing or conductive hearing loss [control group 1] and a second control group of twenty one ears of eleven children with severe to profound hearing loss related to GJB2 mutations [control group 2]. Both control groups had evidence of the presence of the CN. Two neuroradiologists independently assessed presence and size of BCNC and IAM on CT and presence of CN on MRI in subjects and controls. The BCNC and IAM size was compared between subjects and both control groups. The presence of BCNC was correlated with the IAM size on CT, presence/absence of CN on MRI and audiological evaluation in subjects.

Results

The mean IAM width was significantly smaller in subjects as compared to controls. The BCNC was absent in 17/25 subject ears and present in all control ears. Absent BCNC correlated with a narrow IAM in 13/17 subject ears. Presence of the BCNC supported presence of a CN although this was not seen on MRI. However, BCNC absence may be associated with presence of a CN as was seen in two subject ears. Five subject ears out of 22 [22%] with absent CN on MRI had other evidence of a present cochlear nerve.

Conclusions

BCNC is an additional parameter to assess presence of the cochlear branch of the CN. Presence of the BCNC may indicate cochlear nerve presence. Caution should be used in assessing candidacy of cochlear implants based on MRI alone and a combination of imaging and audiological tests should be used to assess presence of the CN.     

Receptive language as a predictor of cochlear implant outcome for prelingually deaf adults

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated outcomes and predictive factors, specifically language skills, for a group of prelingually hearing-impaired adults who received a cochlear implant. Design: Speech perception data, demographic information, and other related variables such as communication mode, residual hearing, and receptive language abilities were explored. Pre- and post-implant speech perception scores were compared and multiple regression analysis was used to identify significant predictive relationships. Study sample: The study included 43 adults with a prelingual onset of hearing loss, who proceeded with cochlear implantation at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Results: The majority of patients experienced benefit from their cochlear implants, with 88% demonstrating significant improvement in speech perception performance. Volunteers achieved better post-operative speech perception scores if they had a shorter duration of severe-to-profound hearing loss, better language skills, and used an exclusively oral communication mode. Conclusions: Although post-operative speech perception performance is significantly poorer for prelingually hearing-impaired adults compared to postlingually hearing-impaired patients, the study group demonstrated significant benefit from their cochlear implants. The variability in post-operative outcomes can be predicted to some extent from the hearing history and language abilities of the individual patient.     

Parental reported benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implantation: Pilot study findings from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the study was to understand the reported benefits and shortcomings by parents of children with cochlear implants and who contribute towards the cost of the implant.

Method

Thirty parents of children with cochlear implants from a hearing impaired school in Southeast Asia completed open-ended questionnaires and the data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

A wide range of benefits and shortcomings were reported. However, it is notable that the single most reported shortcoming was related to cost.

Discussion

The results suggest that, even though, in general, the reports about benefits and shortcomings were similar to previous results from western countries, the emphasis given to various aspects of shortcomings was different. In particular, it appears that parentally reported outcomes could be related to many factors including the hearing healthcare system with the costs involved for the implanted individuals and their families. These findings help us understand the parental perspectives of the success of cochlear implantation and will be useful during parental counselling sessions.     

Effects of cochlear implant surgical technique on post-operative electrode impedance

Conclusions: The mCI surgical technique led to reduced impedance and minimized disturbance of the microenvironment inside the cochlea. Atraumatic surgical techniques and inflammation-reduction strategies may preserve the cochlear architecture and prevent fibrotic development. Objectives: To assess the advantages of a modified minimal access technique in cochlear implantation as well as to investigate the effects of intra-operative application of inflammation reduction strategies on the intra-cochlear impedance. Methods: One hundred patients received a 31.5?mm long Med-El standard electrode array fully inserted into the cochlea and did not have surgical complications post-operation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique that was used for implantation: 50 were in the modified minimal access cochlear implant (mCI) surgery group and 50 were in the traditional CI surgery group. Intra-cochlear impedance values were measured at initial activation (4 weeks post-operatively). Electrode impedance values were compared between the surgery groups. Results: Electrode impedance values were significantly lower in the mCI group than in the CI surgery group at initial activation (5.01 kOhm vs 6.10 kOhm, respectively, F?=?13.761, p?=?0.000). The differences between the two groups were most prominent for the electrodes located at the basal region of the cochlea.