Clinical evaluation of a new electrocochleography recording electrode

Abstract

Background and Aim: Electrocochleography is one of the most practically used tests in app­roaching Meniere's disease (MD). To record reli­able response components, the type of applied electrode is of particular importance. The TIP-trode is an appropriate electrode due to its user-friendliness. Gutter electrode can be used in more than 100 subject. This study aimed to com­pare the results of the Electrocochleography (ECochG) test responses using TIP-trode and the Gutter electrode. Methods: This cross-sectional study was perfor­med on 20 normal subjects and 20 patients with MD, who referred to the Audiology Clinic of Iran University of Medical Sciences. The ECochG response components were randomly recorded with TIP-trode and Gutter-electrode consecu­tively, and then statistical analysis was accomp­lished. Results: The mean impedance, action potential, and summation potential amplitudes were not significantly different between normal subjects and people with MD by using two types of elec­trodes. Moreover, the mean scores of summation potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio of the Gutter electrode were higher than that of the TIP-trod. The mean SP/AP ratio between two types of electrodes was statistically significant differences in normal subjects (p = 0.027) and in MD group (p = 0.009). Conclusion: We demonstrated that the utili­zation of the Gutter electrode in ECochG assess­ments was considerably effective and beneficial. It can significantly reduce expenses and be app­lied in clinical settings. It’s also recommended that 47.22% mean SP/AP amplitude ratio to be considered as upper limit of normality by using the Gutter electrode. Keywords: Electrocochleography; Meniere's disease; Gutter electrode; TIP-trode; impedance