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Background: The spread of excitation (SOE) and auditory nerve recovery function (REC) are objective measures recorded by neural response telemetry and may interfere in cochlear implant (CI) stimulation. Objective: To analyze and correlate SOE with the refractory periods in subjects with pre- and postlingual deafness implanted with different electrode arrays. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 323 ears separated by perimodiolar or straight arrays and by pre- or postlingually deaf recipients. Measures were collected intraoperatively on electrode 11. The SOE width was measured in millimeters at the 0.75 point of the curve, and the relative (tau) and absolute (t0) refractory periods were measured in microseconds. Results: There was a statistical correlation between the SOE and the t0 in the patients with postlingual deafness implanted with the perimodiolar array. The SOE width was statistically different between the straight and perimodiolar arrays and between the pre- and postlingual groups in the perimodiolar array. Tau was statistically different between the pre- and postlingual groups with the straight array and the t0, between the pre- and postlingual groups with the perimodiolar array. Neural response threshold and amplitude of the neural response were not statistically different among groups. Conclusion: There was a correlation between SOE width and t0 only in patients with acquired deafness. The findings suggest that different factors influence SOE and REC, considering SOE is different according to the electrode array and REC being different according the onset of deafness.

Introduction Middle fossa approach has been suggested as an alternative for patients in whom other routes of electrode insertion are contraindicated. Even though there are temporal bone studies about the feasibility of introducing the cochlear implant through the middle fossa, until now, very few studies have described results when cochlear implant surgery is done through this approach. Objective The objective of this study is to review a series of temporal bone studies related to cochlear implantation through the middle fossa and the results obtained by different surgical groups after cochlear implantation through this approach. Data Sources PubMed, MD consult and Ovid-SP databases. Data Synthesis A total of 8 human cadaveric temporal bone studies and 6 studies reporting cochlear implant surgery through the middle fossa approach met the inclusion criteria. Temporal bone studies show that it is feasible to perform cochlear implantation through this route. So far, only two surgical groups have performed cochlear implantation through the middle fossa with a total of 15 implanted patients. One group entered the cochlea in the most upper part of the basal turn, inserting the implant in the direction of the middle and apical turns; meanwhile, the other group inserted the implant in the apical turn directed in a retrograde fashion to the middle and basal turns. Results obtained in both groups were similar. Conclusions The middle fossa approach is a good alternative for cochlear implantation when other routes of electrode insertion are contraindicated.

OBJECTIVES: Thrombocytopenia is a hallmark for patients with cirrhosis and it is perceived as a risk factor for bleeding events. However, the relationship between platelet count and bleeding is still unclear. METHODS: We investigated the relationship between platelet count and major or clinical relevant nonmajor bleedings during a follow-up of ∼4 years. RESULTS: A total of 280 cirrhotic patients with different degrees of liver disease (67% males; age 64±37 years; 47% Child–Pugh B and C) were followed up for a median of 1,129 (interquartile range: 800–1,498) days yielding 953.12 patient-year of observation. The annual rate of any significant bleeding was 5.45%/year (3.57%/year and 1.89%/year for major and minor bleeding, respectively). Fifty-two (18.6%) patients experienced a major (n=34) or minor (n=18) bleeding event, predominantly from gastrointestinal origin. Platelet counts progressively decreased with the worsening of liver disease and were similar in patients with or without major or minor bleeding: a platelet count ≤50×103/μl was detected in 3 (6%) patients with and in 20 (9%) patients without any bleeding event. Conversely, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was slightly higher in patients with overall or major bleeding. On Cox proportional hazard analysis, only a previous gastrointestinal bleeding (hazard ratio (HR): 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.11–3.47; P=0.020) and encephalopathy (HR: 2.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.16–3.62; P=0.013) independently predicted overall bleeding events. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet count does not predict unprovoked major or minor bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Hypothesis. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the degree of intracochlear trauma when the cochlear implant electrode arrays is inserted through different quadrants of the round window membrane.Background. The benefits of residual hearing preservation in cochlear implant recipients have promoted the development of atraumatic surgeries. Minimal trauma during electrode insertion is crucial for residual hearing preservation.Methods. In total, 25 fresh human temporal bones were subjected to mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy. The cochlear implant electrode array was inserted through the anterosuperior quadrant of the round window membrane in 50% of the bones and through the anteroinferior quadrant in the remaining 50%. The temporal bones were dehydrated, embedded in epoxy, serially polished, stained, viewed through a stereomicroscope, and photographed with the electrode arraysin situ. The resulting images were analyzed for signs of intracochlear trauma.Results. Histological examinations revealed varying degrees of damage to the intracochlear structures, although the incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were not influenced by the quadrant of insertion.Conclusions. The incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were similar in all samples, irrespective of electrode array insertion through the anterosuperior or anteroinferior quadrant of the round window membrane.

Objective The present investigation evaluated the speech perception performance of patients with ossified cochlea implanted with the 24M Double Array cochlear implant, using standard and duplicated maps in each of the arrays. Study design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Sixteen subjects received a Double Array cochlear implant. Among these, 9 fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: bilateral severe-to-profound postlingual deafness; bilateral obliterated cochlea, as shown by a computed tomographic scan; and a minimum age of 14 years to ensure reliable responses in the behavioral tests with the 3 tested maps. Intervention Rehabilitative. Main outcome measures The speech perception performance with the 2 arrays was compared with that with a basal array duplicated map and an apical array duplicated map. Three maps were fitted: the default map with both arrays activated, a double channel map using only the electrodes of the basal array, and a double channel map programmed only with the electrodes of the apical array. The test battery was composed of a vowel test, a 4-choice word test, and sentence recognition in quiet. Results Statistical significance was reached in comparison the all tests in all programming conditions. Speech recognition in the standard map with both electrode arrays activated showed the highest scores. Conclusion Performance with the 2 split electrode arrays was superior to those with the single arrays, regardless of the duplication of channels.

Summary Introduction: Acoustic nerve tumors have been recognized as a clinico-pathologic entity for at least 200 years, and they represent 90% of cerebellopontine angle diseases. Histologically, the tumors are derived from Schwann cells of the myelin sheath, with smaller tumors consisting of elongated palisade cells, while in large tumors, cystic degeneration can be found in the central areas, possibly due to deficient vascularization. We retrospectively reviewed 825 cases of vestibular schwannomas, reported between January 1984 and August 2006, in which the patients underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Objective: To evaluate signs, symptoms, aspects of clinical diagnosis, including the results of audiological and imaging studies, and surgical techniques and complications. Methods: A retrospective chart review. The medical records of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for schwannoma during the period indicated were reviewed. Results and Conclusion: Hearing loss was the first symptom reported in almost all cases, and tumor size was not proportional to the impairment of the auditory threshold. The surgical techniques allowed safe preservation of facial function. In particular, the retrolabyrinthine route proved useful in small tumors, with 50% preservation of hearing.

Segundo dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística, a população de idosos cresceu 47,8% na última década no Brasil. Parte desta população tem surdez severa a profunda, não se beneficiando com o uso dos aparelhos auditivos convencionais. Desse modo, torna-se necessária a indicação do implante coclear. OBJETIVO: Analisar os benefícios do implante coclear nos idosos com relação à audibilidade, ao reconhecimento de fala e ao uso do telefone. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo transversal por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com faixa etária acima de 60 anos usuários de implante coclear há pelo menos 1 ano. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 14 prontuários. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 63,07 anos. A média dos limiares tonais entre 500Hz,1kHz,2kHz e 4kHz antes da implantação foi de 113dBNA. Nenhum dos pacientes, antes de implantar, conseguia discriminar frases em contexto aberto e fechado, apenas 3 conseguiam fazê-lo com uma média de 17% de acertos. Após um ano de uso de implante, a média dos limiares em campo passou a ser de 34 dBNA, a discriminação de frases em contexto aberto de 93,57% e 71% dos pacientes já conseguiam estabelecer uma conversa ao telefone. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes idosos usuários de implante coclear apresentaram ganhos auditivos relevantes, com melhora significativa da compreensão em contexto aberto e no uso de telefones. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, the elderly population grew 47.8% in the last decade in Brazil. A portion of this population has severe and/or profound hearing loss and do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. Thus, the use of cochlear implant is required. AIM: To analyze the benefits of cochlear implants in the elderly based on the comparison of primary auditory thresholds before and after the operation, discrimination of sentences in speech and in talking on the telephone. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective cohort study, analyzing medical records from patients aged over 60 years, users of cochlear implant for at least 1 year. RESULTS: Fourteen medical records were analyzed. Mean age of patients was 63.07 years. The mean pure tone thresholds between 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz and 4kHz before the implantation was 113dBHL. None of the patients, before operation, could discriminate sentences in open sets and only 3 scored 17% in closed sets sentence recognition. After one year of implantation, the mean sound field thresholds reached 34dBHL, and open set sentences recognition of 93.57%, while 71% of the patients had become able to have a conversation on the telephone. CONCLUSION: The elderly users of cochlear implant showed important outcomes, with significant improvement in understanding in the open set and in using the telephone.

A tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética (RM) com seqüências convencionais têm baixa especificidade para a diferenciação entre tecido de granulação e recidiva de colesteatoma. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicação da RM com sequência de difusão e pós-contraste T1 tardio na detecção de recidiva de colesteatoma. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Realizado estudo transversal prospectivo de dezessete pacientes estudados no pós-operatório de colesteatoma utilizando RM de 1.5 T com seqüência difusão, T1, T2 e pós-contraste T1 tardio nos planos coronal e axial. Dois radiologistas avaliaram e decidiram em consenso a presença de foco de hipersinal na difusão e T2, iso/hipossinal em T1 e ausência de impregnação pelo contraste como suspeitos de recidiva de colesteatoma. Os achados da revisão cirúrgica foram comparados com o resultado da RM. RESULTADOS: Onze dos doze casos de recidiva de colesteatoma apresentaram hipersinal na difusão. Todos os pacientes com tecido de granulação na cavidade cirúrgica não apresentaram alteração de sinal na difusão. Um paciente com abscesso no conduto auditivo interno também apresentou hipersinal na difusão. A sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo foram respectivamente 91,6%, 60%, 84,6% e 75%. CONCLUSÃO: A seqüência de difusão combinada com pós-contraste tardio pode ser útil na diferenciação entre tecido de granulação e recidiva de colesteatoma. Conventional CT and MRI scans have low specificity when it comes to differentiating granulation tissue from relapsing cholesteatoma. AIM: this paper aims to analyze the use of DWI and delayed post-contrast T1-weighed imaging in the detection of recurring cholesteatomas. MATERIALS AND METHOD: this is a cross-sectional prospective study that looked at 17 cholesteatoma patients postoperatively. All patients underwent diffusion magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5T, T1, T2, and delayed post-contrast T1 and images were produced from both coronal and axial planes. Two radiologists assessed the images and decided consensually that the presence of hyperintensive signal in DWI on T2, iso/hypointensive signal on T1, and absence of contrast uptake were indicative of relapsing cholesteatoma. Surgical review findings were compared to DWI scans. RESULTS: eleven of the twelve cases of recurring cholesteatoma presented hyperintensive signal in the DWI scans. None of the patients with granulation tissue in the surgical wound presented hyperintensive signal in the DWI scans. A patient with an abscess in the internal acoustic meatus also presented a hyperintensive signal in the DWI scans. Sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 91.6%, 60.0%, 84.6%, and 75.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DWI combined with delayed post-contrast T1 SE sequence proved to be useful in the differential diagnosis of granulation tissue and recurring cholesteatoma.

O implante auditivo de tronco cerebral foi desenvolvido para restaurar alguma audição útil em pacientes que apresentam ausência de nervo coclear bilateralmente. OBJETIVOS: Discutir a indicação, cirurgia e resultados em quatro pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para colocação de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Quatro pacientes com diagnóstico de schwannomas vestibulares bilaterais foram submetidos à cirurgia para colocação de Implante Auditivo de Tronco Cerebral durante o mesmo ato cirúrgico utilizado para a exérese de um dos tumores. Aspectos clínicos e técnicos e as referências anatômicas da cirurgia e os resultados auditivos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Em todos os casos foram identificados as referências anatômicas ao forame de Luschka. As complicações cirúrgicas se resumiram à fístula liquórica em dois pacientes. Os eletrodos foram bem posicionados e a sensação auditiva foi suficiente para reconhecimento de sons e auxílio à leitura labial. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados auditivos de nossos pacientes abrem uma perspectiva importante aos pacientes com surdez profunda bilateral sem integridade anatômica das vias auditivas centrais. Auditory Brainstem Implants were developed to partially restore the hearing capabilities of patients without cochlear nerves bilaterally. AIM: this paper aims to discuss the clinical and surgical findings of four ABI patients. MATERIALS AND METHOD: four patients diagnosed with bilateral schwannomas received auditory brainstem implants (ABI) and had one of their tumors resected in the same surgical procedure. Clinical aspects, surgical technique, anatomic landmarks, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: the anatomic landmarks were identified in all four patients in relation to the foramina of Luschka. Two patients had CSF leaks. The electrodes were well positioned and hearing sensation was good enough to allow for sound recognition and assist patients perform lip reading. CONCLUSION: the outcomes observed in our patients were quite encouraging and offer great perspectives for those suffering from deep bilateral deafness and impaired central auditory pathways.

Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential is a measure of synchronous cochlear nerve fibers activity elicited by electrical stimulation of the cochlear implant. The electrophysiological nerve responses may contribute to explain the variability in individual performance of cochlear implant recipients. AIM: To compare speech perception tests’ performances of cochlear implant users according to the presence or absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective study design with 100 "Nucleus 24" cochlear implant users divided in two groups according to the presence or absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses. Speech perception tests were performed after 6 months of continuous use of the device and compared among groups. RESULTS: Intraoperative action potentials were observed in 72 % of individuals. Open-set sentence test results were better in implant users who had neural telemetry responses when compared to implant users in whom this potential was absent (averages 82.8 % versus 41 %, p = 0.005). There was a strong association between post meningitis-related deafness and absence of intraoperative potentials. CONCLUSION: The absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses was associated with worse performances in speech perception tests and meningitis as etiology of deafness. On the other hand, the presence of these potentials suggests excellent prognosis.

Summary Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential is a measure of synchronous cochlear nerve fibers activity elicited by electrical stimulation of the cochlear implant. The electrophysiological nerve responses may contribute to explain the variability in individual performance of cochlear implant recipients. Aim To compare speech perception tests’ performances of cochlear implant users according to the presence or absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses. Material and Method Prospective study design with 100 “Nucleus 24” cochlear implant users divided in two groups according to the presence or absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses. Speech perception tests were performed after 6 months of continuous use of the device and compared among groups. Results Intraoperative action potentials were observed in 72 % of individuals. Open-set sentence test results were better in implant users who had neural telemetry responses when compared to implant users in whom this potential was absent (averages 82.8 % versus 41 %, p = 0.005). There was a strong association between post meningitis-related deafness and absence of intraoperative potentials. Conclusion The absence of intraoperative neural telemetry responses was associated with worse performances in speech perception tests and meningitis as etiology of deafness. On the other hand, the presence of these potentials suggests excellent prognosis.

Summary A uditory brainstem implant (ABI) is an option for deaf patients who do not have the whole auditory pathways preserved. The surgery, because of its anatomical and functional complexity, requires specific training of the surgeon in an anatomy lab. Aim : To study the surgical anatomy of the auditory brainstem implant surgery. Study design : Anatomic study. Material and Method : In the present study, we dissected a fresh cadaver prepared with a dye solution injected into the arteries and intracranial veins. The location of the insertion of the ABI electrode was studied through translabyrinthine access. Results : The surgical technique used for implanting the brainstem electrode is similar to that used in the removal of vestibular schwannoma. The cochlear nucleus complex, comprising ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei, is the optimal electrode site. The ventral cochlear nucleus is the principal nucleus for transmission of neural impulses from the 8th pair and form the main ascending route of the cochlear nerve. Neither the ventral nor the dorsal nuclei are visible during surgery and their location depends on the identification of adjacent anatomical structures. Conclusion : The region for the implantation of the electrode in the auditory brainstem implant presents anatomical landmarks that allow its easy identification during surgery.

Summary Background Due to the condition known as middle ear squeeze, scuba diving has become one of the main causes of barotrauma, and the acute form of this condition has been relatively well established. However, there are few reports available on clinical or laboratory findings in divers who practise repeated diving. The objective of the present study was to assess the otological effects of repeated dives. Method This was an observational study conducted on 19 recreational scuba divers, considered to be experienced divers according to the criteria established by the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI). These divers undertook four dives per day on five consecutive days, and their tympanic membranes were assessed using tympanometry and otoscopy. Data were analysed using the χ 2 -test for trend. The level of statistical significance was set at p Results The findings suggest that multiple scuba dives over a short period of time cause damage to the structures of the ear, as evidenced by the tympanometric and otoscopic findings, which revealed cumulative effects of pressure against the tympanic membrane and within the middle ear. This condition was not observed when surface intervals exceeded 11 h. Conclusions The results suggest that extending surface intervals may offer protection against middle ear barotrauma in recreational scuba diving.

A new model of orbital implant, matching the low cost of acrylic implants (PMMA) with the advantages of medpor (Porex) is presented herein. The new implant model consists of a PMMA implant with a dura mater scrap adhered on its anterior face of the same diameter of the acrylic implant and a medpor snip adhered on its posterior face by sterile cyanoacrylate. Dura mater was fixed to medpor with 6.0 mono-nylon. One patient who presented previous extrusion of the implant was submitted to surgery and was evaluated on the 1st, 7th, 15th, 30th postoperative days, and 3 and 6 months after surgery when a computed tomography was performed. A good cosmetic, mobility and volume result was noted after an escleral prosthesis was adapted, with no infection, migration or extrusion of the implant until this moment. This case showed us that it is possible to use a more economic implant model with the same results of medpor (Porex).

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSR) at high intensities in pediatric cochlear implant candidates and to compare the results to behavioral test responses.Method: This prospective study evaluated 54 children with severe-to-profound hearing loss, aged from 3 to 72 months, between January and December 2011. All had absent ABR and OAE responses. ASSR were evoked using binaural single frequency stimuli at 110 dBHL with a 10 dB-down seeking procedure. ASSR and behavioral test results were compared.Results: Forty-two subjects completed both ASSR and behavioral evaluation. In 13 children behavioral tests were not available, 1 had inconclusive ASSR. Among 42 children with absent ABR and OAE, 11 (26.1%) had bilateral ASSR, 10 correlated well to behavioral results. Four (9.5%) showed unilateral responses in at least 2 frequencies, all confirmed by behavioral results. Among 27 subjects with absent ASSR, 8 had no behavioral responses; 12 had responses only in low freq...

Devido aos avanços na tecnologia dos implantes cocleares e das estratégias de processamento, indivíduos com surdez grave a profunda puderam ouvir sons e reconhecer fala em diferentes graus. A variabilidade nos resultados audiológicos em portadores de surdez pós-lingual tem sido grande e a indicação para o implante coclear tem se estendido e inclui uma população cada vez maior. OBJETIVO: Avaliar em quais pacientes portadores de surdez pós-lingual o implante coclear traz benefício auditivo superior ao da prótese auditiva convencional. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: consulta a artigos científicos por busca no banco de dados SciELO, Cochrane, MEDLINE e LILACS-BIREME. Foram selecionadas publicações com força de evidência A ou B até a data da investigação, que comparassem aparelhos de amplificação sonora e implante coclear na população com surdez pós-lingual. Desenho do Estudo: revisão sistemática. RESULTADOS: Entre os 2169 artigos consultados, 11 trabalhos se mostram pertinentes ao tema e apresentaram força de evidência B. Seis estudos são do tipo coorte prospectivo, quatro são estudos transversais e um ensaio clinico. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação dos benefícios obtidos por portadores de surdez pós-lingual reabilitados com o uso de implante coclear mostra que este dispositivo é efetivo e apresenta melhores resultados quando comparado aos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual. The technological advances in cochlear implants and processing strategies have enabled subjects affected by severe to profound hearing loss to hear sounds and recognize speech in various different degrees. The variability of hearing outcomes in subjects with post-lingual deafness has been significant and cochlear implant indications have been extended to include an ever larger population. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to look into the groups of post-lingual deafness patients to find where cochlear implants have yielded better outcomes than conventional hearing aids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review the literature available on databases SciELO, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and LILACS-BIREME. The publications selected for review were rated as A or B on evidence strength on the day of the review. Their authors analyzed and compared hearing aids and cochlear implants in populations of post-lingually deaf patients. Study Design: Systematic review. RESULTS: Eleven out of the 2,169 papers searched were found to be pertinent to the topic and were rated B for evidence strength. Six studies were prospective cohort trials, four were cross-sectional studies and one was a clinical trial. CONCLUSION: The assessment done on the benefits yielded by post-lingually deaf subjects from cochlear implants showed that they are effective and provide for better results than conventional hearing aids.

The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) was first developed to help neurofibromatosis type 2 patients. Recently, its use has been recently extended to adults with non-tumor etiologies and children with profound hearing loss who were not candidates for a cochlear implant (CI). Although the results has been extensively reported, the stimulation parameters involved behind the outcomes have received less attention. Objective The aim of this study is to describe the audiologic outcomes and the MAP parameters in ABI adults and children at our center. Methods Retrospective chart review. Five adults and four children were implanted with the ABI24M from September 2005 to June 2009. In the adult patients, four had Neurofibromatosis type 2, and one had postmeningitic deafness with complete ossification of both cochleae. Three of the children had cochlear malformation or dysplasia, and one had complete ossified cochlea due to meningitis. Map parameters as well as the intraoperative electrical auditory brainstem responses were collected. Evaluation was performed with at least six months of device use and included free-field hearing thresholds, speech perception tests in the adult patients and for the children, the Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) and (ESP) were used to evaluate the development of auditory skills, besides the MUSS to evaluate. Results The number of active electrodes that did not cause any non-auditory sensation varied from three to nineteen. All of them were programmed with SPEAK strategy, and the pulse widths varied from 100 to 300 μs. Free-field thresholds with warble tones varied from very soft auditory sensation of 70 dBHL at 250 Hz to a pure tone average of 45 dBHL. Speech perception varied from none to 60% open-set recognition of sentences in silence in the adult population and from no auditory sensation at all to a slight improvement in the IT-MAIS/MAIS scores. Conclusion We observed that ABI may be a good option for offering some hearing attention to both adults and children. In children, the results might not be enough to ensure oral language development. Programming the speech processor in children demands higher care to the audiologist.

This study aimed to evaluate the neural response in double-array cochlear implant as well as to describe the refractory recovery and the spread of excitation functions. In a prospective study 11 patients were implanted with the double-array cochlear implant. Neural response telemetry (NRT) was performed intra-operatively. NRT threshold could be registered in 6 of the 11 patients, at least in one electrode. The remaining five patients did not show measurable neural response intra-operatively. It was noted that although recovery and spread of excitation functions could be recorded in all the tested electrodes with measurable neural responses, the responses were shown to be different from the usual register in patients with other etiologies.

TEMA: implante coclear (IC) em crianças. Objetivo: traçar um perfil de linguagem oral receptiva e expressiva de crianças usuárias de implante coclear há cinco anos a cinco anos e onze meses; verificar a influência do tempo de privação sensorial na linguagem oral receptiva e expressiva dessas crianças. MÉTODO: 19 crianças deficientes auditivas usuárias de IC com deficiência auditiva pré-lingual, com tempo de uso do IC variando de 5a a 5a11m e média do tempo de privação sensorial de 3a (desvio padrão um ano) foram avaliadas por meio da Reynell Developmental Language Scales (RDLS) (Reynell e Gruber, 1990) que é composta pela Escala de Compreensão (C), Escala de Expressão (E) e suas Sub-Escalas Estrutura (Ee), Vocabulário (Ev) e Conteúdo (Ec). RESULTADOS: a mediana e os valores do quartil 75 e quartil 25 encontrados foram: 44, 57 e 54 para C; 48, 60 e 55 para E; 20, 21 e 20 para Ee; 15, 19 e 17 para Ev; 15, 22 e 18 para Ec; 96, 116 e 108 para a pontuação total. Houve correlação estatística entre o tempo de privação sensorial e a pontuação de C (p = - 0,62; R = 0,0044) e Ec (p = - 0,48; R = 0,0348) tornando o tempo de privação influente na pontuação total (p = - 0,53; R = 0,0174). CONCLUSÃO: o perfil de linguagem das crianças usuárias de implante coclear há cinco anos é desviante e semelhante ao perfil das crianças ouvintes de cinco anos para a Expressão e ao das crianças ouvintes de quatro anos para a Compreensão; a influência do tempo de privação sensorial foi estatisticamente significante na pontuação da C - linguagem receptiva - e na pontuação de uma seção (Ec) da E - linguagem expressiva, sendo significante na pontuação total da RDLS. BACKGROND: cochlear implant (CI) in children. AIM: 1) to delineate a profile of receptive and expressive verbal language of children who have been using cochlear implant for five years and five years and eleven months; 2) to verify the influence of time of auditory sensorial privation in the receptive and expressive verbal language of these children. METHOD: 19 children users of CI with auditory deficiency acquired before language development, who have been using CI for 5y - 5y11m and who have an average time of sensorial privation of 3y (standard deviation of 1 year). These children were assessed using the Reynell Developmental Scales (RDLS) (Reynell e Gruber, 1990) which is composed of: Comprehension Scale (C), Expression Scale (E) and its Structure Sub-Scales (Es), Vocabulary (Ev) and Content (Ec). RESULTS: the median values and the values found for quartile 75 and quartile 25 were:.44, 57 and 54 for C; 48, 60 and 55 for E; 20, 21 and 20 for Es; 15, 19 and 17 for Ev; 15, 22 and 18 for Ec; 96, 116 and 108 for the total score. A statistical correlation between the time of sensorial privation and the score obtained for C (p= - 0.62; R= 0.0044) and Ec (p= - 0.48; R = 0.0348) was observed. Therefore the time of sensorial privation had an influence on the overall score (p= - 0.53; R = 0.0174). CONCLUSION: the language profile of children who use CI for five years is devious and similar to that of five year old hearing children regarding Expression and to that of four year old hearing regarding Comprehension; time of sensorial privation was statistically significant for the score obtained in C - receptive language - and for the score obtained in the E section (Ec) - expressive language, as well as in the overall score of RDLS.

Summary Cochlear implantation has been recommended for children under 24 months of age. The use of objective measures is needed to help speech processor programming. The electrically evoked compound potential (EAP), which can be assessed by neural response telemetry (NRT), is one of those objective measures. Aim: to determine how often the EAP can be recorded by NRT system during surgery and to describe the responses. Study design: clinical with transversal cohort. Material and Method: the impedances and NRT were measured in a group of 17 Nucleus 24 ® implant users. The responses were analyzed and compared to the etiology, hearing loss duration and electrode array position. Results: The EAP was easily recorded in the apical electrodes and, in otosclerosis and meningitis cases the EAP threshold was higher than in the other etiology cases. Conclusions: The NRT can be found in 82% of the cases during surgery. The responses obtained may vary according to etiology and the position of electrodes along the cochlea.

A preservação da audição tem se tornado um objetivo na moderna cirurgia do schwannoma vestibular. OBJETIVO: O nosso estudo visa a analisar a audição pós-operatória de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia por acesso retrolabiríntico pressigmoideo. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo de coorte contemporânea transversal. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Estudamos prospectivamente a audição de 41 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para exérese de schwannomas vestibulares por acesso retrolabiríntico pressigmoideo entre 1994 e 2004 no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo. Todos ospacientes apresentavam tumores unilaterais menores que 1.5 cm de diâmetro. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados em nosso protocolo: 1- remoção completa do tumor, 2- complicações e dificuldades intra-operatórias, 3- complicações pós-operatórios e 4- avaliação da audição após 90 dias da cirurgia. RESULTADOS: Total exposição do meato acústico interno com conseqüente remoção completa do tumor foi possível na maioria dos casos. Em apenas seis pacientes modificamos o acesso para um translabiríntico clássico no decorrer da cirurgia pela necessidade de ampliar o acesso ao fundo do meato. A audição foi preservada nos mesmos níveis anteriores à cirurgia em 34.1% dos casos. Nesta série nenhuma complicação severa ocorreu. CONCLUSÃO: O acesso retrolabiríntico pressigmoideo é seguro em relação ao nervo facial, possibilita a preservação da audição e apresenta pouca morbidade. Tem a grande vantagem de ser facilmente transformado em translabiríntico clássico quando maior exposição for necessária. Hearing preservation has become a goal in modern surgery for acoustic neuroma. AIM: We have analyzed the post-operative hearing of patients who underwent surgery through the transmastoid retrolabyrinthine approach. STUDY DESIGN: Contenporany cohort transversal. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This study is a prospective analysis of 41 patients with small vestibular schwannoma and useful hearing operated through a transmastoid retrolabyrinthine approach between 1994 and 2004. All patients had unilateral tumors smaller than 1.5 cm. The following parameters were included in our protocol: 1-Total removal of the tumor, 2- intra-operative difficulties or complications, 3-immediate post-operative complications, 4- Audiologic evaluation 90 days after surgery. RESULTS: A good exposure of the internal auditory canal was possible in almost all cases. In six patients we had to change the approach to a translabyrinthine one, with total removal of the tumor in all patients. Hearing was preserved in 34.1% of the cases at the same preoperative levels. CONCLUSION: The retrolabyrinthine approach offered security to the facial nerve, no morbidity and good percentage of hearing preservation. It is also easier changeable to a translabyrinthine approach when a widely space is necessary.

Introdução: Com o progresso tecnológico dos implantes cocleares, cada vez mais pacientes com audição residual útil são candidatos em potencial ao implante (Hodges et al., 1997). Apesar disso, não se sabe ao certo se a introdução dos eletrodos poderia destruir as estruturas auditivas envolvidas nessa audição residual. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a conservação da audição residual em pacientes usuários de implante coclear multicanal, comparando a audiometria pré e pós-operatória desses indivíduos. Forma de estudo: Clínico prospectivo randomizado. Material e método: Foram estudados 09 pacientes adultos com disacusia sensorioneural bilateral severa a profunda, usuários de Implante coclear Nucleus 22 e 1 paciente usuário de Implante Combi 40+. Resultado: No grupo estudado a conservação auditiva ocorreu em 50% dos indivíduos, quando considerado o critério de conservação de duas ou mais frequências médias (da fala) e em 80%, se for considerada audição também em frequências graves. Conclusão: A média de queda dos limiares tonais antes e após a cirurgia foi de 4 dB na orelha implantada e 0 dB na orelha contralateral. Introduction: Technological development of Cochlear Implants allowed patients with residual hearing, that's to say, severe sensorineural hearing losses, to be considered as candidates (Hodges et al., 1997). Nevertheless, it is not clear whether the electrode array insertion may destroy remaining auditory structures. Aim: The purpose of this research was to verify the maitainance of residual hearing in multichannel cochlear implant users, by the comparison between the pre and post pure tone audiometry. Study design: Clinical prospective randomized. Material and method: Nine Nucleus 22 device and one Combi 40+ device users were evaluated. Results: In this sample hearing preservation was observed in 50% of the subjects, when considering the mid frequencies (speech frequencies) criterium of preservation. On the other hand, when the whole range of frequencies (including low frequencies) was considered as a criterium the preservation was revealed in 80% of the subjects. Conclusion: The average decrement in pure tone thresholds was 4 dB in the implanted ear and 0 dB in the contralateral ear.

A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL PRESENTED WITH A 2-week history of progressive facial palsy on the right side. No other otologic symptoms were identified. Physical examination revealed only a facial palsy, which was classified as House-Brackmann scale grade V. There were no signs of involvement of other cranial nerves. The findings of otoscopy and palpation of the parotid gland were normal. Audiometry showed a normal hearing threshold and an absent stapedial reflex in the right ear. The patient was treated with oral dexamethasone acetate and acyclovir, with no clinical improvement. A reformatted coronal computed tomogram (Figure 1), axial (Figure 2) and coronal (Figure 3) enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs), and a coronal T2-weighted MRI (Figure4) were obtained. What is your diagnosis?

There are several controversial aspects to the management of traumatic facial paralysis. One of these involves the precise nature of surgical intervention once the decision to operate has been made. Between June 1, 1984, and June 30, 1993, we surgically treated 220 cases of traumatic facial paralysis with good cochlear reserve by decompressing the tympanic and mastoid segments via a transmastoid approach followed by decompression of the geniculate ganglion and the distal half of the labyrinthine segment via a middle fossa approach. We discuss the results of surgery via the middle fossa approach, and we review the literature.

Objetivo: comparar o reconhecimento de fala na situação de silêncio e ruído com a prótese auditiva de orelha média totalmente implantável Esteem® em relação à prótese auditiva. Descrever a satisfação auditiva e as complicações cirúrgicas encontradas. Desenho do Estudo: estudo exploratório, prospectivo, intragrupo, sujeito como seu próprio controle. Pacientes: usuários de prótese auditiva com perda neurossensoraial moderada a severa bilateral. Intervenção: dez pacientes submetidos a cirurgia para colocação da prótese totalmente implantável Esteem®. Aplicação de questionário SADL no pré- e pós-operatório. Desfechos: reconhecimento de fala no silêncio e ruído, resultados do SADL e complicações do procedimento foram avaliadas. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre reconhecimento de fala nas condições de silencio e ruído em relação as próteses auditivas (p=0,23 e p= 0,0438). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante no score do SADL pré- e pós-operatório (p= 0,0076). Houve três necessidades de reintervenção cirúrgica, em uma delas a prótese precisou ser removida. Conclusões: Melhora da satisfação auditiva, tendência a melhora no reconhecimento de fala nas situações de silêncio e ruído. Procedimento deve ser realizado por cirurgiões otológicos experientes. Objective: to compare speech discrimination in silence and in noise with the Esteem® totally implantable hearing device versus hearing aids, and to describe satisfaction with amplification and surgical complications in patients undergoing implantation of the Esteem® device. Study Design: this was an exploratory, prospective, within-group, subject-as-own-control study. Setting: tertiary referral center. Patients: hearing aid users with moderate to severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Interventions: ten patients underwent placement of the Esteem® totally implantable hearing device. The Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire was administered pre- and postoperatively. Main Outcome Measures: speech discrimination in silence and noise, SADL scores, and complications were evaluated. Results: there were no statistically significant differences between hearing aids and the Esteem® device in speech discrimination in silence (p=0.23) or noise (p=0.0438). There was a significant difference between pre and postoperative SADL scores (p=0.0076). Three patients required reintervention, and one ultimately required explantation of the device. Conclusions: Use of the Esteem® device was associated with improved satisfaction with amplification and a trend toward improvement in speech discrimination in silence and noise. Implantation of the device is challenging and should be performed by experienced otologic surgeons.

Introdução: O uso do retalho nasosseptal (NS) para a reconstrução endoscópica da base do crânio foi fator fundamental para o avanço dos acessos endonasais expandidos. Objetivos: Aferir as dimensões do retalho NS e do defeito da base do crânio anterior (BCA) após ressecção craniofacial endoscópica e verificar a suficiência do retalho para cobrir o defeito. Estudar a anatomia da artéria septal (AS) e sua relação com o óstio do seio esfenoide. Métodos: Estudo anatômico do retalho NS em 14 cadáveres. Após ressecção craniofacial endoscópica, foi verificado a suficiência do retalho em cobrir o defeito na BCA. A AS foi dissecada e estuda quanto ao número de ramos presentes no pedículo e sua distância em relação ao óstio do seio esfenoide. Estudo radiológico com tomografia computadorizada de 30 pacientes para a comparação entre medidas do retalho NS e as do defeito na BCA. Resultados: O retalho foi suficiente para cobrir o defeito na BCA nas 14 dissecções. Em 71,4% dos casos, dois ramos da AS foram encontrados no pedículo. A distância média entre o primeiro ou único ramo ao óstio do esfenoide foi de 9,3mm. No estudo radiológico, a média da área reconstrutora do retalho (17,12cm2) foi constantemente maior que a média da área do defeito (8,64cm2) (p

Objetivos: Verificar a efetividade da teleprogramação em pacientes usuários de IC comparando os resultados audiológicos do IC e os parâmetros da programação nas condições remota e presencial; verificar a qualidade de transmissão remota e o grau de compreensão das orientações dadas pelo fonoaudiólogo remotamente. Casuística e método: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, tipo cross over, no qual a intervenção remota (à distância) foi comparada à presencial. O desfecho do estudo foi a realização da audiometria em campo livre, testes de percepção de fala, além de questionário e escala VAS para análise da satisfação com o atendimento. Os critérios de seleção foram: idade entre 18 e 59 anos, de ambos os gêneros; usuários de IC da marca Cochlear®, unidade interna Nucleus 24® ou Freedom®, com processador de fala Freedom SP®, e tempo de experiência com implante coclear mínima de 12 meses. Os critérios de exclusão foram: dificuldade de compreensão no questionário realizado no início do estudo e deficiência visual que impossibilite a realização da leitura orofacial. Os participantes realizaram duas sessões de programação no mesmo dia: uma presencial - programação presencial (PP) e outra a distância - programação remota (PR). Os mesmos fonoaudiólogos realizaram as duas sessões de programação e a ordem de realização das programações foi randomizada. Foram comparados os níveis mínimos (níveis T) e níveis máximos de estimulação (níveis C) de cinco eletrodos (1, 6, 11, 16, 22). Foram aplicados testes de percepção de fala (frases closed-set, open-set sem ruído e com relação S/R 0 e 10dB, e monossílabos - todos com gravação a 65dB), audiometria em campo livre nas frequências de 250 a 8000Hz, questionário e escala visual analógica (VAS) para satisfação com o atendimento após as programações. Os resultados da audiometria, testes, questionários e do VAS também foram comparados. Resultados: Participaram 20 usuários de IC, com tempo médio de uso do dispositivo de 43 meses. Na comparação entre os níveis T obtidos na PR e PP, houve diferença estatisticamente significante nos eletrodos 22 e 16 (p 0,05). A escala VAS mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante, sendo o maior valor atribuído à PP (p=0,018). No questionário aplicado, houve diferença estatisticamente significante nas questões referentes à qualidade e comunicação no atendimento, mostrando que a PP apresentou menor dificuldade de compreensão e comunicação. Conclusão: A teleprogramação é viável e eficaz quando comparada à programação presencial. Embora tenham sido encontradas diferenças nos níveis de estimulação entre as programações realizadas de forma remota e presencial, não houve diferença nos resultados dos testes de percepção de fala e audiometria realizadas nos dois procedimentos. A programação presencial possibilitou maior facilidade de comunicação e satisfação em relação ao atendimento, quando comparada à programação realizada de forma remota Objectives: To verify the effectiveness of teleprogramming in CI users comparing the audiological results of the IC and the programming parameters in remote and live conditions; to verify the quality of remote transmission and the understanding of the guidance given by the audiologists remotely. Patients and methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, with crossover, in which the remote intervention (distance) was compared to the live intervention. The end point was the realization of the free field audiometry, speech perception tests, and questionnaire and VAS scale for analysis of satisfaction with the sections. The selection criteria were: age between 18 and 59 years, of both genders; CI users of Cochlear® device, internal unit Nucleus® 24 or Freedom® with speech processor Freedom® SP, and experience with CI of at least 12 months. Exclusion criteria were: difficulty in understanding the questionnaire completed at baseline and visual disability which makes impossible the realization of lip reading. Participants performed two programming sessions on the same day: a live programming (LP) and a remote programming (RP). The same audiologists conducted the two programming sessions and the order of realization of the sessions was randomized. The minimum (T) and maximum (C) stimulation levels of five electrodes (1, 6, 11, 16, 22) were established. Tests were applied for speech perception using 65dBSNR (closed-set sentences, open-set without noise and speech-in-noise with signal-to noise 0dB and 10db, and monosyllables). The patients were also submitted to free field audiometry from 250 to 8000Hz frequencies, visual analog scale (VAS) and questionnaire after the fittings sections. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon Test. Results: The study included a total of 20 CI users, with average time of use of 43 months. Statistically significant difference was found in the T levels for the electrodes 22 and 16 (p < 0.05), which indicates that levels were higher in RP. Statistically significant difference was found in the C levels for the electrodes 11 and 6 (p < 0.05), which indicates that levels were higher in LP. There were no statistically significant differences between the speech perception tests and thresholds obtained with maps of LP and RP (p > 0.05). The VAS scale showed a statistically significant difference, with the highest scores to LP (p = 0.018). In the questionnaire, there was a statistically significant difference in the questions about quality and communication during the sessions, showing that LP allowed less difficulty of understanding and communication. Conclusion: Teleprogramming is feasible and effective when compared to live programming. Although there were some differences in stimulation levels between the remote and live programming sessions, there was no difference in the results of thresholds in audiometry and speech perception tests performed in the two procedures. The live programming allowed better communication and satisfaction when compared to remote programming

Neste estudo avaliou-se a eficácia da radiografia panorâmica na detecção de desvio do septo nasal. Para tanto, utilizou-se como padrão ouro o exame clínico e imagens tomográficas da face. A amostra foi composta por imagens radiográficas panorâmicas e por imagens de tomografia computadorizada da face de 70 indivíduos. Dentre os indivíduos que compuseram o estudo, 30 eram pacientes que seriam submetidos a tratamento odontológico e possuíam radiografias panorâmicas nas quais foram observadas imagens compatíveis com desvio do septo nasal. Estes pacientes foram avaliados por um otorrinolaringologista e submetidos, segundo o critério da justificação, ao exame de tomografia computadorizada da face. Os outros 40 indivíduos foram selecionados a partir de imagens panorâmicas dos prontuários de pacientes disponíveis no arquivo da Clínica de Estomatologia da FOB-USP e que também haviam realizado tomografia computadorizada da face para elaboração de diagnóstico e plano de tratamento odontológico. Os resultados mostraram que a radiografia panorâmica, segundo a metodologia adotada, foi eficaz na detecção do desvio do septo nasal, com 100% de Especificidade. Além disso, este exame permite a confirmação da ausência deste desvio na maioria dos casos, com 86% de Sensibilidade. OBJECTIVE: Discern the efficacy of panoramic radiography on nasal septum deviation. Gold standard computerized tomography along with clinical examination was used for comparison. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sample was composed of 70 subjects from Stomatology files of FOB-USP. Nasal septum deviation was assessed using the panoramic radiographies. Then, computerized tomography was analyzed and the results confronted. RESULTS: Images of nasal septum deviation were observed and confirmed in both exams on 100% of the subjects. However, in those cases with no deviation observed with the panoramic radiographies, its presence was confirmed in 86% after computerized tomography. CONCLUSION: Panoramic radiography was trustable for confirmation of nasal septum presence, with 100% of Specificity. Further, this exam allows the confirmation of the absence of this deviation in the majority of cases, with 86% of Sensibility.

INTRODUÇÃO: O Potencial de Ação Composto Evocado Eletricamente(PACEE) é a medida da atividade sincrônica das fibras neurais eliciadas pelo implante coclear. O potencial é registrado diretamente da cóclea, utilizando os eletrodos como geradores do estímulo e gravadores da resposta, procedimento denominado Telemetria de Resposta Neural (TRN). A análise das características da resposta neural pode ser útil no conhecimento sobre a funcionalidade do nervo auditivo e das estruturas neurais sobreviventes. A presença do PACEE pode estar, portanto, relacionada ao resíduo auditivo e influenciar no desempenho para processar os estímulos de fala. OBJETIVO: Identificar os possíveis fatores associados à ausência do PACEE na condição intra-operatória e avaliar a repercussão da ausência de resposta neural no desempenho em testes de reconhecimento de fala após 06 meses de uso contínuo do implante coclear. MÉTODOS: Clínico longitudinal retrospectivo. Participaram do estudo todos os indivíduos operados entre 2003 e 2006 com o implante N24 e cujos exames evidenciaram inserção completa e ausência de alterações nas impedâncias (n = 97). A ausência da resposta neural foi estabelecida quando não se encontrava registro de onda com reprodutibilidade em nenhuma das séries de otimização em todos os eletrodos pesquisados. Os processadores de fala foram ativados com parâmetros sugeridos pelo fabricante e os níveis de corrente determinados pelo método psicoacústico. Os testes de percepção de fala foram realizados após seis meses de uso contínuo e sem leitura orofacial ou apoio de gestos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em grupos de acordo com a presença do PACEE: Grupo \"TRN presente\" e Grupo \"TRN ausente\". A média dos resultados nos testes de reconhecimento de fala foi comparada entre os dois grupos utilizandose o teste não paramétrico U de Mann-Whitney, Teste exato de Fisher e teste do Quiquadrado. RESULTADOS: No Grupo TNR ausente a prevalência de surdez por meningite foi de 48% e no Grupo TNR presente de 13.9% (p < 0,001). O risco relativo para um indivíduo com surdez pós-meningite não apresentar respostas neurais para o estímulo elétrico no intra-operatório é 3.1 vezes maior do que o de um indivíduo com surdez por outras causas. A amostra foi estratificada por etiologia. Os resultados mostraram forte associação entre a ausência do PACEE e piores resultados em testes de reconhecimento de fala. OS resultadoS dos indivíduos em que o potencial foi ausente foram significantemente menor que a média dos indivíduos com PACEE presente (p = 0,002), independente da etiologia da surdez. CONCLUSÃO: A ausência do PACEE em usuários do implante coclear sugere pobre capacidade de despolarização e de condução neural diante da estimulação elétrica. A etiologia de surdez por meningite esteve associada à ausência do potencial e à piores resultados nos testes de reconhecimento de fala. Independentemente deste fator, a presença do potencial no momento intra-operatório esteve associada ao melhor desempenho para processar estímulos de fala, sugerindo um bom prognóstico com o dispositivo. INTRODUCTION: The Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP) is the register of synchronic activity o neural fibers stimulated by Cochlear Implant. The potential is registered directly from the cochlea using the electrodes as stimulus probe and recorder. This procedure is called Neural Response Telemetry (NRT). The analysis of ECAP can be useful to understand the auditory system function and the surviving neural population. The ECAP presence could be, though, related to auditory residual and influence the ability to process the speech stimulus. Objective: to identify the factors associated to the absent NRT responses and the consequence repercussions for speech recognition after six months of cochlear implant use. METHODS: longitudinal retrospective clinical study. Selection criteria: individual who received N24 cochlear implant model between 2003 and 2006 and presented exams showing complete insertion of electrode array and normal impedances results (n = 97). The NRT absent responses were established when there was no reproducible register in any optimization series of all electrodes searched. The implant speech processors were mapped according to the manufactures default. The current levels were determined by psychoacoustic method. The speech perception battery tests were performed after six months of continual use of device, without lipreading or gestures. The individuals were divided in two groups: Group \"NRT present\" and Group \"NRT absent\". The average of speech perception tests results were compared between groups using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, Exact Fisher\'s test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: In NRT absent group the prevalence of post meningitis hearing loss was 48% and in NRT present group of 13.9% (p < 0.001). The results showed strong association between the absence of ECAP and lower performance in speech recognition sentence test. In these results, the average of subjects whose potential were absent was significantly lower than the ones with ECAP present by intraoperative NRT, regardless the hearing loss etiology (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The ECAP absence in cochlear implant users suggests poor neural conduction under electrical stimulus. The post meningitis hearing loss was associated to the absence of potential and poor performance in the speech recognition tests. However, the presence of reproducible ECAP waves was associated to a better performance in processing speech stimulus and suggests a good prognosis with the cochlear implant device.