Electrically evoked auditory potentials: current clinical applications in children with cochlear implants.

Objective: To summarize the current applications of auditory evoked potential in children with cochlear implants and candidates for implantation.
Patients and Methods: Perioperative transtympanic EABR is used routinely for ear selection and to establish the electrical stimulability of the ear intended to be implanted. The perioperative transtympanic EABR is supplemented with EABR obtained immediately following the insertion of the electrode array and the seating of the implant's receiver. Postoperatively, EABR and averaged electrode voltages are used effectively to properly adjust the implant stimulus parameters and to determine whether the implant is functioning adequately. Postoperatively, cognitive evoked potentials to speech and tonal stimuli may also be obtained.
Results: EABR results have contributed to effective implant placement and function. There were several significant correlations between speech recognition and cognitive evoked potential.
Conclusion: These measures help assure proper implant function and effective stimulus delivery.