Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses in deaf children with cochlear nerve canal stenosis

Abstract

Background

Deaf children with cochlear nerve canal stenosis (CNCs) are always considered poor candidates for cochlear implantation.

Objectives

To investigate the function of the peripheral auditory pathway in deaf children with CNCs, as revealed by the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR), and postoperative cochlear implants (CIs) outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen children with CNCs and 13 children with no inner ear malformations (IEMs) who received CIs were recruited. The EABR evoked by electrical stimulation from the CI electrode was recorded. Postoperative CI outcomes were assessed using Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rate (SIR).

Results

Compared with children with no IEMs, children with CNCs showed lower EABR extraction rates, higher thresholds, a longer wave V (eV) latency and lower CAP and SIR scores. The auditory and speech performance was positively correlated with the diameter of the cochlear nerve canal and the number of channels showing wave III (eIII) and eV in children with CNCs.

Conclusions and Significance

The physiological function of the peripheral auditory pathway in children with CNCs is poorer than that in children with no IEMs. Postoperative auditory and speech abilities may depend on the severity of cochlear nerve malformation and auditory conduction function.

Chinese Abstract

背景

患有耳蜗神经管狭窄 (CNC) 的聋哑儿童总是被认为不适合接受人工耳蜗植入。

目的

探讨患有 CNC 的聋哑儿童的外周听觉通路的功能, 这种功能由电诱发听觉脑干反应(EABR)和术后耳蜗植入 (CI) 结果表现出来。

材料和方法

纳入了13 名患有 CNC 的儿童和 13 名无内耳畸形(IEM)的儿童, 他们都接受 了CI 。 记录了CI 电极的电刺激引起的 EABR。 使用听觉表现类别 (CAP) 评估术后 CI 结果和语音清晰度率 (SIR)。

结果

与没有 IEM 的儿童相比, 患有 CNC 的儿童表现出较低的 EABR 提取率, 更高的阈值、更长的波 V (eV) 延迟以及更低的 CAP 和 SIR 评分。 听觉和言语性能与耳蜗神经管的直径和通道数量呈正相关, 显示 CNC 患儿的波 III (eIII) 和 eV 。

结论及意义

CNC儿童的外周听觉通路的生理功能比无IEM 的儿童的要差。 术后听觉和言语能力可能取决于耳蜗神经畸形的严重程度和听觉传导功能。

Keywords:

• Auditory function
• cochlear implant
• cochlear nerve canal stenosis
• electrically evoked auditory brainstem response
• inner ear malformation

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants 82201278 and 82271180) and Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (Grant 2208085MH231).