Auditory outcomes following implantation and electrical stimulation of the semicircular canals

We measured auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in eight Rhesus monkeys after implantation of electrodes in the semicircular canals of one ear, using a multi-channel vestibular prosthesis based on cochlear implant technology. In five animals, click-evoked ABR thresholds in the implanted ear were within 10 dB of thresholds in the non-implanted control ear. Threshold differences in the remaining three animals varied from 18 to 69 dB, indicating mild to severe hearing losses. Click- and tone-evoked ABRs measured in a subset of animals before and after implantation revealed a comparable pattern of threshold changes. Thresholds obtained five months or more after implantation – a period in which the prosthesis regularly delivered electrical stimulation to achieve functional activation of the vestibular system – improved in three animals with no or mild initial hearing loss and increased in a fourth with a moderate hearing loss. These results suggest that, although there is a risk of hearing loss with unilateral vestibular implantation to treat balance disorders, the surgery can be performed in a manner that preserves hearing over an extended period of functional stimulation.

► Semicircular canals of Rhesus monkeys were implanted with stimulating electrodes. ► In most animals, ABR thresholds were close to controls in the implanted ear. ► Thresholds could remain stable over several months of frequent stimulation. ► Results indicate that hearing can be preserved following vestibular implantation.