Changes in cochlear implant electrode impedances from implantation to 12 months post-surgery
Main Article Content
Keywords
cochlear implants, impedances, electrical stimulation, electrical impedance telemetry, cochlear implant follow-up
Abstract
Abstract. (CI) generates an action potential in the auditory nerve through electrical stimulation, underscoring the importance of understanding how the electrical circuit works. Clinical evaluation of electrode impedances make it possible to observe the integrity of the electrical circuit, as well as the functional status of the electrodes. Objective: To describe the behavior of electrode impedances in CI during the first year of use. Material and methods: A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted. The impedance values from each electrode implanted in 35 participants were obtained and compared over the first year of CI use. Results: The lowest impedances were recorded at the time of surgery and the highest during activation. Electrodes 1 to 4 presented the greatest absolute difference in impedances between the intra-surgical and activation periods. Electrode impedance values tended to decrease on all electrodes during the study. Conclusions: Understanding impedance fluctuations during the follow-up of CI recipients facilitates the detection of abnormalities affecting cochlear implant function.