Electrode impedance among children using the combi-40+ medel cochlear implant

Abstract EN

Objectives : To evaluate electrode impedance changes over time among children using the combi-40 + Medel cochlear implant system.

Method : A retrospective medical record review of electrode impedance values for 24 patients from gender aged between 3 and 8 years and received Combi- 40 + Medel cochlear implant was used to gather data for the present study.

Electrode impedances were measured at seven time intervals: intra operatively, and post operatively with intervals of one month, 3 months, 9 months, 1 years, 2 years and 3 years.

Results : Significant increase in electrode impedance values from intra operatively to one month and 3 months visit for all electrodes and cochlear segment (apical, medial and basal) was noticed.

At, one year visit a decrease in electrode impedance values for the apical and medial cochlear segment was noticed and thereafter a stabilization of values was evident, but for the basal segment an increase in the impedance values was evident and stabilization was noticed after 1 year visit.

Conclusion : Significant changes in electrode impedance values were noticed during the first 3 months of implant use.

Given the importance of the impedance role in the transmission of optimal speech perception, impedance measurements are very essential throughout the use of implant before any programming sessions.