An overview of the studies on combined electric and acoustic stimulation of auditory system.
- Author:
Tian GUAN
1
;
Ziyan ZHU
;
Datian YE
Author Information
1. Research Centre of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Acoustic Stimulation;
Audiometry;
Auditory Pathways;
Auditory Threshold;
physiology;
Cochlear Implantation;
Cochlear Implants;
Combined Modality Therapy;
Electric Stimulation;
Hearing Loss;
diagnosis;
surgery;
therapy;
Hearing Loss, High-Frequency;
diagnosis;
surgery;
therapy;
Humans
- From:
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
2009;26(5):1146-1149
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This paper discusses the technology of combined electric and acoustic stimulation (EAS) of the auditory system, which is a new therapy for the patients suffering from severe to profound high- and mid-frequency hearing loss but still having their low-frequency hearing. EAS uses hearing aid and cochlear implant technology together in the same ear. The hearing aid acoustically amplifies at low-frequencies, while the cochlear implant electrically stimulates at mid- and high-frequencies. The inner ear processes acoustic and electric stimuli simultaneously. This technique can provide substantial benefit in speech understanding for individuals with severe high-frequency hearing loss and can maintain their residual lower-frequency acoustic hearing. The study of EAS would significantly enhance the conventional cochlear implant therapy and benefit the patients afflicted with severe to profound hearing loss.
