THE USE OF AVERAGED ELECTRODE VOLTAGES TO ASSESS THE FUNCTION OF NUCLEUS INTERNAL COCHLEAR IMPLANT DEVICES IN CHILDREN

Averaged electrode voltages (AEVs) provide an objective measure of the output of the Nucleus multichannel cochlear implant device. AEVs are the peak-to-peak voltages of each electrode in the internal array and are recorded from electrodes placed on the scalp. This article summarizes average voltage data for 25 children with complete insertions of the electrode array. Data are compared with previously published adult data and are evaluated based on the location of the recordings (clinic versus operating room). AEV data can be applied clinically to identify implant problems. AEV recordings for this purpose are particularly important with children who may not be able to provide accurate reports of implant function. Case studies are presented to illustrate the application of the AEV procedure to examine implant malfunction in six children.