Cochlear nerve monitoring study ver2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intraoperative monitoring of the Cochlear nerve during vestibular Schwannoma surgery.
IRAS ID
203829
Contact name
Anand Kasbekar
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a debilitating condition characterised by the development of multiple brain tumours that gradually destroy nerves and brain function. Patients are usually rendered deaf on both sides due to the vestibular Schwannoma (VS) pressing on the hearing nerve, or surgery to remove the tumour.
A hearing brainstem implant (ABI) can be fitted during surgery to remove the tumour which offers the possibility of a small degree of hearing restoration. On the other hand, a cochlear implant would offer excellent hearing rehabilitation for such patients. It however, relies on a functioning hearing nerve. Without hearing nerve monitoring during surgery, it is impossible to tell if the nerve is functioning once the VS is removed. For this reason, it is assumed that the hearing nerve in NF2 patients after tumour removal is damaged and therefore these patients are fitted with an ABI.
This research is to develop and evaluate new techniques to assess hearing nerve function during VS removal surgery. If successful, the technique will enable the surgeon to select the most appropriate type of hearing implant based on the remaining hearing nerve function. It will offer significantly better hearing rehabilitation for patients with a devastating disease that results in progressive patient isolation.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0178
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion