Improving the diagnosis of unexplained cochlear implant issues
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mathematical modelling of the electric potential from cochlear implants for a new diagnosis tool
IRAS ID
312360
Contact name
Mary Grasmeder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 22 days
Research summary
We need to improve the diagnosis of issues which cause poor outcomes for people with cochlear implants.
Any fault with the internal part of the device needs to be tested with guidance from the device manufacturer. Appointments for the patient and clinical specialist are arranged on a patient-by-patient basis. This is time consuming and inconvenient and the cause of the issue is not always identified even after follow-up CT scans.
Cochlear implants generate hearing by releasing tiny electric currents in the cochlea which excite the hearing nerve. Ideally the current would only flow to the nerve, however some spreads in the cochlea and can be detected on the scalp.
The averaged electrode voltages test is used by one of the manufacturers to diagnose device issues. We have improved this and developed the Recording of Electrode Voltages or 'REVs' test.
The REVs is used in routine clinic appointments by clinical scientists. The test is non-invasive and well tolerated. The test uses self-adhesive recording pads to record small amounts of electrical activity on the patient's head when the implant is stimulated. We have successfully identified movement of the electrodes, which cause problems hearing, using the REVs test.
The aim of this project is to develop an automated REVs test, called REV-A, and improve it's diagnostic ability.
To develop REV-A we need to collect Electrode Voltage measurements from people who have just received their implant, and use existing stored REVs measurements.
We will use the measurements to develop a computer-based mathematical model that can predict the electrical activity on the scalp when the cochlear implant is stimulated. Measurements for each participant will be made three times over a six-month period, ideally during routine clinic appointments. We anticipate, that once fully developed, REV-A will improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis of implant issues.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
23/WS/0079
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion