Remote programming of cochlear implants

Abstract

To verify the effectiveness of remote programming of cochlear implants by stimulation levels and results in the perception of speech and free-field audiometry tests. Methods: Twelve patients from both genders, aged between 18 and 59 years, users of internal cochlear implant and speech processor of the same model for at least 12 months, were selected. Both the remote programming (RP) and the live programming (LP) were performed on the same day, measuring the minimum (T) and maximum (C) stimulation levels of five electrodes with the interpolation of the remaining ones. Speech perception tests were applied using 65 dBSPL (recorded open context sentences and monosyllables). The patients were submitted to free-field audiometry at 250-8,000 Hz frequencies. The results for the RP and LP were compared. Results: Differences in mean of the T levels for three electrodes and the C levels for one electrode were found. No difference between the results was obtained in the speech perception tests and audiometric thresholds in the RP and LP. Conclusion: The RP is a simple and effective procedure for programming cochlear implant devices and, although there were differences in the stimulation levels of some electrodes, it did not interfere in the speech perception outcomes.