Resumen

GUTIERREZ C, Catalina et al. Use of ePEAT to determine candidacy for cochlear implant in pediatric patients with inner ear malformations: Preliminary communication. Rev. Otorrinolaringol. Cir. Cabeza Cuello [online]. 2012, vol.72, n.3, pp.291-296. ISSN 0718-4816.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-48162012000300013.

In cochlear implant candidates with inner ear malformations, where there is an abnormal cochlear nerve, traditional studies and images cannot often provide definitive answers about the functionality and presence of the cochlear nerve. In these cases, electrophysiology studies can be used. We present 3 cases of patients with inner ear malformations who were evaluated with ePEAT to determine their candidacy for a cochlear implant. Electrophysiological studies do not replace traditional hearing screening studies or imaging studies, but complement them. The cases presented in this study demonstrate that in patients with inner ear malformations or very narrow internal auditory canal, where we question the existence of a functional cochlear nerve, and in cases of auditory neuropathy, it is necessary to evaluate the cochlear function separately from the auditory nerve and from the brainstem. In these cases we use ePEAT. ePEAT give us valuable information about the real abilities of patients to transmit an auditory stimulus to the central nervous system, which help us to define expectations with cochlear implant use, assisting us in our decision-making.

Palabras clave : ePEAT; Cochlear Implant; Inner ear malformations; sensorineural hearing loss; Electrophysiological tests.

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