소아 인공와우이식 환자에서 전기자극 청성뇌간반응과 전기자극 복합활동전위의 역치와 행동반응 역치 및 최대 쾌청치의 상관관계

Background and Objectives: In the pediatric cochlear implant, the first mapping is difficult or even impossible because of their inherent communication problem with clinician. Thus various objective measures such as electrical auditory brainstem response (EABR), electrical stapedial reflex (ESR), electrical compound action potential (ECAP), and electrical middle latency response (EMLR) have been developed for use as a reference for the behavioral measures. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between EABR and ECAP thresholds and behavioral T/C levels in pediatric cochlear implant users. Subjects and Method: Twenty children implanted with the Nucleus CI24M, who had at least 12 months of follow up, were participated in this study. Mean age of children at implantation was 4 years 7 months. EABR and ECAP thresholds were measured 3-4 weeks after implantation and compared with behavioral T/C levels obtained about 1 year after implantation. Results: On average, EABR and ECAP thresholds were shown to fall between behavioral T and C level. Significant but somewhat loose correlations were found between EABR and ECAP thresholds and behavioral T/C levels (r<0.6, p=0.0001). However correlation between electrophysiologic thresholds and behavioral measures in each individual was much stronger. Conclusion: These results suggest that EABR and ECAP thresholds could be used to estimate behavioral T/C levels and help to program the speech processor in very young children. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2006;17:234-239)