Audiology Research最新文献

{"title":"Cochlear and Bone Conduction Implants in Asymmetric Hearing Loss and Single-Sided Deafness: Effects on Localization, Speech in Noise, and Quality of Life.","authors":"Oana Astefanei, Cristian Martu, Sebastian Cozma, Luminita Radulescu","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030049","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) impair spatial hearing and speech perception, often reducing quality of life. Cochlear implants (CIs) and bone conduction implants (BCIs) are rehabilitation options used in SSD and AHL to improve auditory perception and support functional integration in daily life.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to evaluate hearing outcomes after auditory implantation in SSD and AHL patients, focusing on localization accuracy, speech-in-noise understanding, tinnitus relief, and perceived benefit.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this longitudinal observational study, 37 patients (adults and children) received a CI or a BCI according to clinical indications. Outcomes included localization and spatial speech-in-noise assessment, tinnitus ratings, and SSQ12 scores. Statistical analyses used parametric and non-parametric tests (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In adult CI users, localization error significantly decreased from 81.9° ± 15.8° to 43.7° ± 13.5° (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In children, regardless of the implant type (CI or BCI), localization error improved from 74.3° to 44.8°, indicating a consistent spatial benefit. In adult BCI users, localization error decreased from 74.6° to 69.2°, but the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Tinnitus severity, measured on a 10-point VAS scale, decreased significantly in CI users (mean reduction: 2.8 ± 2.0, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while changes in BCI users were small and of limited clinical relevance. SSQ12B/C scores improved in all adult groups, with the largest gains observed in spatial hearing for CI users (2.1 ± 1.2) and in speech understanding for BCI users (1.6 ± 0.9); children reported high benefits across all domains. Head shadow yielded the most consistent benefit across all groups (up to 4.9 dB in adult CI users, 3.8 dB in adult BCI users, and 4.6 dB in children). Although binaural effects were smaller in BCI users, positive gains were observed, especially in pediatric cases. Correlation analysis showed that daily device use positively predicted SSQ12 improvement (r = 0.57) and tinnitus relief (r = 0.42), while longer deafness duration was associated with poorer localization outcomes (r = -0.48).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CIs and BCIs provide measurable benefits in SSD and AHL rehabilitation. Outcomes vary with age, device, and deafness duration, underscoring the need for early intervention and consistent auditory input.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sound Localization with Hearables in Transparency Mode.","authors":"Sebastian A Ausili, Nathan Erthal, Christopher Bennett, Hillary A Snapp","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030048","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Transparency mode in hearables aims to maintain environmental awareness by transmitting external sounds through built-in microphones and speakers. While technical assessments have documented acoustic alterations in these devices, their impact on spatial hearing abilities under realistic listening conditions remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate how transparency mode affects sound localization performance with and without background noise. <b>Methods:</b> Ten normal-hearing adults completed sound localization tasks across azimuth (±90°) and elevation (±30°) with and without background noise. Performance was assessed with and without AirPods Pro in transparency mode. Sound localization performance was evaluated through linear regression analysis and mean absolute errors. Head-Related Transfer Function measurements quantified changes in binaural and spectral cues. <b>Results:</b> While interaural time differences were largely preserved, transparency mode introduced systematic alterations in level differences (up to 8 dB) and eliminated spectral cues above 5 kHz. These modifications resulted in increased localization errors, particularly for elevation perception and in noise. Mean absolute errors increased from 6.81° to 19.6° in azimuth and from 6.79° to 19.4° in elevation without background noise, with further degradation at lower SNRs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Response times were affected by background noise (<i>p</i> < 0.001) but not by device use. <b>Conclusions:</b> Current transparency mode implementation significantly compromises spatial hearing abilities, particularly in noisy environments typical of everyday listening situations. These findings highlight the need for technological improvements in maintaining natural spatial cues through transparency mode, as current limitations may impact user safety and communication in real-world environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101201/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Auditory Perception Outcomes in Children with Deafness and Additional Disabilities 12 Months After Cochlear Implant Activation.","authors":"Celia Martínez-Pantanalli, Sofía Bravo-Torres","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030047","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the progress in auditory speech perception in a group of children with cochlear implants and additional disabilities, whose implants were implanted at a public hospital in southern Chile between 2013 and 2019. This population has historically been excluded from research due to uncertainties regarding their outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> All pediatric patients who received cochlear implants between 2013 and 2019 were considered for inclusion. After obtaining informed consent, relevant data were collected from their medical records. A total of 18 children met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi software. <b>Results:</b> The minimum age at cochlear implant activation was 2 years, and the maximum was 16.1 years. The median Category of Auditory Performance (CAP) score was 0 pre-implantation and increased to 2 to 12 months post-implantation. <b>Conclusions:</b> Cochlear implantation provides clear benefits for children with additional disabilities. Although gains in auditory perception may be limited in some cases, implantation enables access to the world of sound. Even when oral language development is not fully achieved, parents frequently report positive changes in their children's interaction with their environment, suggesting an overall improvement in quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Ongoing Challenges of Hearing Loss: Stigma, Socio-Cultural Differences, and Accessibility Barriers.","authors":"Mirko Aldè, Umberto Ambrosetti, Stefania Barozzi, Samantha Aldè","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030046","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Hearing loss (HL) is a prevalent condition that can lead to social exclusion. This review explores the epidemiological, cultural, and social dimensions of HL and examines the barriers to accessibility that individuals with HL encounter. <b>Methods</b>: This research employs a narrative review approach to provide a comprehensive overview of HL, focusing on stigma, gender disparities, cultural and social differences, and accessibility challenges. <b>Results</b>: The review highlights pervasive prejudices surrounding HL and hearing devices. Gender disparities are evident, with Deaf women facing compounded challenges. Cultural perspectives on HL differ widely, ranging from the medical model, which emphasizes treatment using hearing devices, to the Deaf community's social model, which views deafness as a cultural identity. Socioeconomic disparities further restrict access to modern technologies, particularly in low-income settings, while intersectional discrimination affects marginalized groups within the Deaf community. Public spaces also present significant barriers related to communication, architecture, and technology, which hinder accessibility for individuals with HL. <b>Conclusions</b>: A cultural shift is essential to dismantle societal stereotypes and reduce discrimination associated with HL. Moreover, improving accessibility for individuals with HL necessitates a multifaceted approach, including accessible design, staff training, and the integration of assistive technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101339/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Hearing Aid Amplification on Gait Parameters: A Pilot Study Using Ear-Worn Motion Sensors.","authors":"Ann-Kristin Seifer, Arne Küderle, Kaja Strobel, Ronny Hannemann, Björn M Eskofier","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15030045","DOIUrl":"10.3390/audiolres15030045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Hearing loss, particularly in older adults, is associated with reduced physical functioning; increased fall risk; and altered gait patterns, including slower walking speed and shorter step length. While the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, one possibility is that these gait changes result from an additional cognitive load due to hearing difficulties. Prior research suggests that hearing aids may improve balance; however, their impact on gait remains less well explored. <b>Methods</b>: This study investigated gait parameters in individuals with hearing loss as they walked with and without hearing aid amplification under different dual-task conditions. Additionally, we showed the potential of ear-worn sensors for detecting relevant gait changes. To achieve this, we used a hearing-aid-integrated accelerometer and our open-source EarGait framework comprising gait-related algorithms specifically developed for ear-worn sensors. <b>Results</b>: Our findings revealed no significant differences in gait velocity or step length between the unaided and aided conditions. For stride time, we observed a significant interaction effect; however, the effect size was negligible. The dual-task costs were lower than in previous reports, indicating that the applied dual-task paradigm did not induce the expected cognitive demand. The ear-worn gait analysis system showed strong performance compared to foot-worn sensors. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our findings indicate that in controlled, low-cognitive-demand settings, hearing aid amplification does not affect gait performance and, therefore, neither hinders nor improves walking performance. Additionally, the high accuracy of the ear-worn gait analysis system highlights the strong potential of ear-mounted wearable devices (\"earables\") for real-world mobility assessments. Future research should explore more complex real-world conditions to better understand the impact of hearing aids on walking behavior. Our proposed earable-based system offers a promising tool for continuous, unobtrusive gait monitoring in everyday environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144129167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cochlear Implantation in the United Arab Emirates: Otolaryngologists' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.","authors":"Muhammed Ayas, Ahmad Al Amadi, Ahmad Al Shamsi, Jameel Muzaffar, Manohar Bance","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15020044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Cochlear implants (CIs) are the gold standard intervention for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Their success depends not only on technological advancements but also on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of otolaryngologists responsible for patient selection, counselling, and postoperative management. <b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of otolaryngologists in the UAE towards CIs, identify gaps in training and decision-making, and assess adherence to global CI protocols. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to otolaryngologists across public and private healthcare institutions in the UAE. The survey assessed demographics, clinical knowledge, attitudes towards CIs, and clinical practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationships among knowledge levels, referral frequency, and institutional factors. <b>Results:</b> A total of 31 otolaryngologists participated. While 74% demonstrated moderate-to-high knowledge of CIs, 39% had low awareness of national guidelines. Most (61%) strongly supported CI integration into treatment protocols, but financial and institutional barriers were frequently cited as challenges. Knowledge levels significantly correlated with referral frequency (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating a gap between awareness and practice. <b>Conclusions:</b> This is the first study in the UAE assessing otolaryngologists' KAP regarding CIs. Despite favourable attitudes, limited guideline awareness, financial barriers, and inconsistent multidisciplinary collaboration remain challenges. Targeted clinician education, standardised CI guidelines aligned with international benchmarks, and improved funding mechanisms are essential to enhance CI accessibility and optimise patient outcomes in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12024090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144031962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can Mismatch Negativity Be Used as an Indicator to Predict Central Auditory Deficits in Individuals with Normal Hearing?","authors":"Lichun Zhang, David Mißler, Karsten Ehrt, Wilma Großmann, Robert Mlynski, Florian Herrmann Schmidt","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15020043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: In the early stage of presbycusis, patients experience reduced speech perception in noisy environments despite normal audiometry, normally known as hidden hearing loss. Diagnostic indicators like the reduced amplitude of ABR wave I, elevated extended high-frequency threshold (EHT), and decreased middle ear muscle reflex (MEMR) amplitude aim to identify biomarkers of peripheral auditory pathology but remain inconsistent. Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a cortical auditory evoked potential generated when the brain detects sound changes. This study aimed to assess MMN as a diagnostic tool for hidden hearing loss in adults. <b>Methods</b>: Seventy-three subjects with normal hearing underwent an extended pure-tone audiogram examination ranging from 0.125 to 16 kHz and a subsequent MMN assessment with two different paradigms: a speech (ba/da) and a tone (1/2 kHz) paradigm. The MMN's amplitude and latency were measured and analyzed. <b>Results</b>: The outcome shows a significant age-related effect on MMN amplitude in the speech condition (χ² = 13.0, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Specifically, the MMN amplitude in the 25-30-year-old group was significantly smaller than in the 20-25-year-old group (<i>p</i> = 0.0015, Cohen's d = 0.63). Additionally, no further effects of age were observed on the cortical potentials examined. Also, neither tone nor speech paradigms showed a significant influence of EHT on the amplitude or latency of either MMN or P300. <b>Conclusions</b>: The application of MMN as an electrophysiological tool to diagnose hidden hearing loss in normal hearing adults has limitations. However, in contrast to MMN responses to tonal stimuli, the present study reveals that MMN amplitude obtained with speech stimuli may indicate early signs of central auditory deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12024420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-Term Follow-Up of Vestibular Function in Cochlear-Implanted Teenagers and Young Adults.","authors":"Niki Karpeta, Eva Karltorp, Luca Verrecchia, Maoli Duan","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15020042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vestibular function implements head position regulation and body spatial navigation. It matures during childhood and adolescence and integrates with the completion of an individual's motor development. Nevertheless, vestibular impairment is associated with profound paediatric hearing loss and has a negative impact on the child's motor proficiency. Cochlear implantation (CI) is the treatment of choice for severe hearing loss, where conservative treatment plans are not appropriate or fail. The Teenager and Young Adults Cochlear Implant (TAYACI) study investigates the long-term outcomes of early implantation with respect to the hearing, speech, psychological, and balance development among CI users.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study focuses on the vestibular function and the appropriate methods for vestibular assessment. The results of two established vestibular test methods are explored: the video head impulse test (vHIT) and cervical/ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP, oVEMP) with air and bone conduction vibration stimulation. The results of vHIT, cVEMP, and oVEMP, per implanted ear and the relation to the aetiology of hearing loss are reported. An additional dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test was included to assess clinical oscillopsia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall abnormal lateral canal testing was detected in 35/76 (46.1%) of the implanted ears. Bone-conducted cVEMP (BC cVEMP) was pathological in 33/76 (43.3%) and BC oVEMP in 42/76 (55.3%). Lateral canal impairment was associated with the background diagnosis of the hearing loss. Oscillopsia was related to bilateral canal impairment (sensitivity 73% specificity 100%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Lateral canal testing together with BC VEMPs were the most reproducible modules for vestibular testing The above tests were related to each other and complemented the overall vestibular assessment. DVA is a helpful tool to screen dynamic oscillopsia in patients with bilateral vestibular impairment.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12024341/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144016758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Influence of Online Price Anchoring and Attribute Framing on the Likelihood of Hearing Aid Purchases.","authors":"Craig Richard St Jean, Jacqueline Cummine, Gurjit Singh, William Bill Hodgetts","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15020040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study investigated whether exposure to various types of information online can influence adults aged 40 and above in their likelihood to purchase hearing aids (HAs). Specifically, it examined the effects of price anchoring, using high or low HA prices in advertisements, and attribute framing, using product descriptions that highlighted lifestyle appeal or technological capabilities. <b>Methods</b>: In a 2 × 2 experimental design, 271 participants browsed a website simulating an online search for hearing health information. Participants then rated their likelihood of purchasing three fictitious HAs as well as their likelihood of not purchasing any device. <b>Results</b>: Two-way ANCOVAs indicated no significant main effects of anchoring or framing on purchase likelihood for the fictitious devices (covariates included self-rated hearing ability, trust in online health information, and HA knowledge and importance). No significant interaction effects emerged. However, exploratory analyses revealed significant anchoring effects for two of the three devices among participants with below-median self-rated hearing. Additionally, self-rated knowledge was a significant covariate in the model for all devices (<i>p</i> < 0.001), positively correlating with purchase likelihood. Participants with above-median self-rated knowledge showed significantly higher purchase likelihood for all devices (<i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>d</i> ≥ 0.572 for all comparisons), while those with below-median knowledge displayed a significant anchoring effect for two outcomes. <b>Conclusions</b>: Enhanced HA knowledge may increase HA purchase likelihood and reduce the potential anchoring effects of online advertising. Further research is needed to determine the impact of exposure to high or low prices on HA purchase decisions, especially among those with poorer hearing.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12024096/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144052797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrode Impedance Subcomponent Analysis in Cochlear Implant Patients with Rising or Fluctuating Electrode Impedances.","authors":"Aniket A Saoji, Madison K Graham, Melissa D DeJong, Joscelyn R K Martin, Joerg Pesch, Filiep J Vanpoucke","doi":"10.3390/audiolres15020041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15020041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Electrode impedance is crucial for optimizing cochlear implant (CI) stimulation and hearing outcomes. While typically stable, some patients experience unexplained impedance fluctuations. This study used electrode impedance subcomponent analysis to identify the subcomponents contributing to these impedance fluctuations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analyzed clinical electrode impedances and transimpedance matrix (TIM) measurements in 10 CI patients with Nucleus devices (CI422, CI522, or CI622 electrode arrays) who exhibited fluctuating or rising electrode impedances. TIM measurements used a cathodic-leading biphasic pulse (110 CLs, 75 µs/phase, 7 µs interphase interval). Electrode impedances were determined at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 75 µs, and subcomponents (access resistance [near-field/far-field] and polarization impedance [Warburg capacitance/Faraday resistance]) were calculated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both access resistance and polarization impedance changes contributed to impedance fluctuations. Large changes in near-field resistance compared to far-field resistance were associated with increased resistance to current flow closer to the surface of the electrode. The decreased double-layer capacitance and slightly increased Faraday resistance further suggested increased resistance to charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Electrode impedance subcomponent analysis reveals changes in the electrochemical reaction at the electrode surface that cause fluctuating or rising CI electrode impedances.</p>","PeriodicalId":44133,"journal":{"name":"Audiology Research","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12024177/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}