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A Zarowski

Publications and source records attributed to A Zarowski.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

The LAURA Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program in Antwerp: what have we learnt in 5 years?

The LAURA Cochlear Implant Program at the University of Antwerp was initiated 5 years ago. Up to now 50 children have received the LAURA cochlear implant (Philips Hearing Implants). Our accumulated experience in selecting the patients, counselling their parents, implanting and fitting the device allowed us to gradually modify the inclusion/exclusion criteria for cochlear implantation and achieve very rewarding results. The most important change was the gradual shift towards a younger age at implantation, our youngest implantee being 11 months old. In this paper we describe the rationale for this change, as well as the prerequisites for a successful pediatric cochlear implant program.

Belgium

New developments in cochlear implants.

Essential to improve the performance with cochlear implants is a better control of the electrode-nerve interface. The long-term stability of the electrode characteristics has to be guaranteed. Most important herein is to have a low and stable electrical impedance and to prevent fibrosis. Results of electrode coating and fibrosis-inhibiting products are described. To assess the properties of the electrode-nerve interface such as stimulation threshold, spatial selectivity and channel interaction, the electrically evoked compound action potential is measured. The measurement paradigm and the first results are described. Models of auditory nerve response to electrical stimulation can be used as a tool for cochlear implant fitting. A simple model is proposed and its predictions are compared with measured responses.

Cochlear Implantation