Steady state evoked potentials (SSEPs): An objective measure of residual hearing in young cochlear imlpant candidates

Abstract

The use of objective measures of residual hearing in young cochlear implant candidates has become more important as the minimum age of implantation has reduced. This paper examines the use of the steady-state evoked potential (SSEP) technique in the assessment of these children. SSEP thresholds were obtained using frequency specific stimuli at octave frequencies between 250llz and 4000Hz in ZS children with moderate to severe hearing losses. These levels, determined automatically by a computerized detection system were then compared with thresholds obtained behaviourally. Data was also collected from a group of 35 adult subjects with varying degrees of sensorineural hearing loss. Results indicate that the steady-state evoked potential procedure can provide accurate, frequency specific estimates of hearing thresholds in ears with even profound or total hearing losses.