Apparatus and methods for acoustically or mechanically stimulating a cochlea and intracochlear recording of mechanically or acoustically evoked auditory potentials in the cochlea

摘要

An apparatus for acoustic or mechanical stimulation of a cochlea and measurement of acoustically or mechanically evoked electrophysiologic responses from the cochlea is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes an acoustic stimulator for generating an acoustic signal and an electrophysiologic response measuring device positioned proximal the cochlea or within the cochlea for measuring an acoustically evoked electrophysiologic response to the acoustic signal. Methods of utilizing the apparatus for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to hearing impairment are also provided.

主权项

1. An apparatus for acoustic stimulation and electrophysiologic response measurement of a cochlea or auditory nerve, comprising:
a stimulator, configured to generate one of an acoustic and a mechanical signal; and an electrode array positionable within a cochlea of a human subject directly adjacent to hair cells in the cochlea and configured to directly measure an electrophysiologic response of the hair cells directly adjacent to the electrode array to the stimulating signal, wherein the electrophysiologic response includes a cochlear microphonic potential; and a computer for recording an indication of a geographic abundance of functioning hair cells within the cochlea.