Changes of Electrical Thresholds and Dynamic Range in Children with Cochlear Implants

Kim, Soo Jin; Kim, Lee Suk; Rhee, Kyu Shik

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 1999;4(1): 1-21.

Soo Jin Kim^` , Lee Suk Kim^` , and Kyu Shik Rhee^`

김수진(Soo Jin Kim)| 김리석(Lee Suk Kim)| 이규식(Kyu Shik Rhee)

ABSTRACT

Mapping of cochlear implant s is an essential part of the paediatric program. It is necessary to assess children over time to determine the long - term benefit s. T he purpose of this study was to measure changes in electrical thresholds, dynamic range of children with cochlear implant s. Fifteen children with prelingual onset s of deafness were implanted with the Nucleus multichannel cochlear prosthesis. T hey ranged in age from 2 year s 9 months to 10 year s 11 months. Electrical thresholds and comfortable levels for each electrode used in the children were measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after initial stimulation. T hirteen of the 15 children had statistically significant changes over time in their electrical thresholds and 14 of the 15 children, in dynamic range. The changes occurred between 3 months and 12 months considerably . The result of this study underlines the necessity for more frequent programming sessions for 12 months from the fir st stimulation to optimize hearing in everyday life.