Basis of electrical stimulation of the cochlea and the cochlear nucleus.

Abstract

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of deafness in humans. In patients with a severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss therapeutic intervention can only be achieved by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve via a cochlear implant, or - in cases where a cochlear implant is not a surgical option - neurons within the central auditory pathway via an auditory brainstem implant. This paper reviews the basis of electrical stimulation of these structures with an emphasis on pathophysiology and safety.