Cochlear implants have been used for several decades, with major technological advances. However, adjustment can be difficult for patients who have to get used to a new sound that is electrical rather than acoustic. In general, adjustment is based on the patient's responses: the patient must inform the technician of their sensations in order to determine the sound level that is comfortable for them (MCL: maximum comfortable level).
The adjustment therefore depends on a subjective assessment. The aim of the adjustments is to make the sound pleasant while increasing the stimulation level to the maximum tolerated level in order to achieve good listening dynamics. Objective indicators would therefore be useful in improving the accuracy of the adjustments. The objective measurements that can be taken are:
* Electrical compound action potentials (eCAP)
* Electrical auditory brainstem response (eABR)
* Electrical stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT).