Stapedius reflex measurements in open sound-field in children using MED-EL cochlear implant systems

OBJECTIVES: The study compared stapedius reflex thresholds during presentation of acoustic stimuli in an open sound field (sf-SRT) in paediatric cochlear implant (CI) users with the MED-EL system and children with bilateral normal hearing sensitivity.

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

If open sound-field stapedius reflex measurements show strong agreement with direct electrical stimulation thresholds, clinicians may have a less invasive option for objective implant fitting in pediatric MED-EL users — but independent replication in larger samples is needed before changing standard practice.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Reliable non-invasive objective measures of cochlear implant fitting in children could reduce reliance on behavioral testing, which is difficult in young or non-verbal patients.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Compared open sound-field vs. direct electrical stimulation stapedius reflex thresholds in pediatric CI users.
02Population was exclusively pediatric MED-EL cochlear implant recipients.
03Stapedius reflex thresholds may offer an objective, non-behavioral fitting aid.
04Findings could influence how audiologists verify CI programming in young children.
05Results are device-specific (MED-EL) and may not generalize to other CI systems.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Stapedius reflex thresholds measured in open sound field can be compared to those obtained via direct electrical stimulation in pediatric MED-EL CI users.

studypartially supported

Open sound-field stapedius reflex measurement is a feasible objective measure for cochlear implant fitting in children.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42605102
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2026.2715824.
Journal: International Journal of Audiology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 4
Population: Pediatric MED-EL cochlear implant users
Intervention: Stapedius reflex measurement in open sound field
Comparator: Stapedius reflex thresholds via direct electrical stimulation

Primary outcomes

Stapedius reflex thresholds in open sound field; Comparison with electrically-evoked stapedius reflex thresholds

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