Effect of changing pulse rate on profile parameters of perceptual thresholds and loudness comfort levels and relation to ECAP thresholds in recipients of the Nucleus CI24RE device

Int J Audiol. 2010 Oct;49(10):775-87. doi: 10.3109/14992027.2010.492401.

Abstract

The Nucleus CI24RE ‘Freedom' device offers higher stimulation rates and lower noise levels in action potential measurements (ECAPs) than previous devices. A study including ten European implant teams showed that the effect of changes in rate from 250 to 3500 pulses per second on tilt and curvature of the T and C profiles is insignificant. When changing rate one may change the levels at all electrodes by the same amount. Using an automated procedure ECAPs could be measured quickly and reliably at a noise level of only 1 microV, this did not result in improved correlations between the tilt and curvature parameters of the ECAP profiles and those of the T and C profiles. Average C levels appear to differ markedly among implant centers; a better assessment protocol is required. When increasing stimulus rate one should take into account that this requires higher pulse charges per second and more power consumption.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Auditory Perception*
  • Auditory Threshold*
  • Automation
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Differential Threshold
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Humans
  • Loudness Perception*
  • Middle Aged
  • Noise
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Young Adult