A simple two-component model of the electrically evoked compound action potential in the human cochlea

Abstract

Neural response telemetry (NRT) permits in situ intracochlear recordings of the electrically evoked compound action potential from the auditory nerves using scala tympani electrodes. The recorded NRT waveforms can generally be categorized under either single positive peak or double positive peak waveforms. This is similar to the observations from Stypulkowski and van den Honert, who suggested that the double peak complex arises from two components that could be axonal and dendritic in origin, respectively. Using a simple mathematical model which linearly combines two separate waveforms similar in shape but differing in amplitude and latencies, it was possible to simulate the various NRT waveform categories. The simulation results support the view that the two waveform components originate from dendritic or axonal processes and implies that the shape of the response waveform may provide information about the degree of neural survival in the stimulated cochlea. This information could be useful for determining optimal speech coding parameters for cochlear implant users on an individual basis.