Cochlear Implants and Hearing Preservation

Electric acoustic stimulation (EAS) combines electric stimulation in the mid- to high-frequency regions with acoustic stimulation in the low-frequency range with the aim to preserve residual low-frequency hearing after cochlear implantation, which together particularly improves speech understanding, pitch discrimination and music appreciation. In this volume, the most experienced clinical groups share their understanding of the use of EAS in adults and children. It offers an in-depth audiological analysis related to selecting, preparing and rehabilitating EAS patients. Topics such as dead zone assessment, psychophysics of low-frequency hearing, electric-acoustic interaction, speech algorithms, music perception, as well as fitting and the patient’s acceptance are discussed. Introductory chapters - illustrated with exceptional colour images - on cochlear neural reserves, molecular biology and high-technological electrode development focus on the basic scientific EAS research. Every ENT specialist, audiologist, speech therapist and scientist interested in inner ear pathology, involved in cochlear implantation or dealing with the treatment or surgery of the inner ear will benefit from the insights and experiences of the world’s leading experts who contributed to this publication.