Increase in cochlear implant electrode impedances with the use of electrical stimulation

Abstract

Objective Electrode impedances play a critical role in cochlear implant programming. It has been previously shown that impedances rise during periods of non-use, such as the post-operative recovery period. Then when the device is activated and use is initiated, impedances fall and are typically stable. In this study, we report a new pattern where electrode impedances increase with device use and decrease with device rest.Design Electrode impedances were measured three to four times every day over a span of 1–3 months for two cochlear implant patients.Study sample Two patients with a Nucleus cochlear implant participated in this study.Results Both subjects in this study show wide fluctuations in electrode impedances. By taking serial electrode impedance measurements throughout a day of use, we observe that electrode impedances consistently increase with device use and decrease with device rest.Conclusion In this study, we report two cases of electrode impedances increasing as a function of device use. Numerous management strategies were employed to reduce this effect but none prevailed; a clear pathophysiologic mechanism remains elusive. Further study into the cause of this electrode impedance pattern is warranted to establish a management strategy for these cochlear implant users.