Automated detection of electrically evoked stapedius reflexes (eSR) during cochlear implantation

• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06226-x
• Publication Date: 2020-08-03T10:05:22Z
• Authors: Nora M. Weiss; Attila Óvári; Tobias Oberhoffner; Laurent Demaret; Atabek Bicer; Sebastian Schraven; Karsten Ehrt; Rüdiger Dahl; Armin Schneider; Robert Mlynski
• Keywords: Acoustic reflex; Cochlear Implantation; Basal (medicine)

Abstract Introduction In cochlear implantation, objective fitting methods are needed to optimize audiological results in small children or patients with poor compliance. Intraoperatively measured electrically evoked stapedius reflexes (eSR) can be used as a marker for the patient’s discomfort level. The aim of this study was develop and evaluate an automated detection method eSR compare it rate surgeon independent observers. Methods Cochlear implantation using fully digital surgical microscope performed. Movements tendon were recorded analyzed by means computer vision technique. Differences elicited stimulating electrodes at different locations (basal, middle apical) analyzed. image processing algorithm compared surgeon’s those two less experienced Results A total 387 impulses applied. stimulation turn showed significantly higher rates (50.4%) basal (40.0%; p = 0.001) apical (43.6%; 0.03) turn. software identified more applied stimuli (58.4%) (46.3%; 0.0007), intermediate observer (37.7%; < 0.0001) unexperienced (41.3%; 0.0001). Conclusion feasibility intraoperative software-based is demonstrated. By improving their clinical applicability, utility implant may substantially increased.