How reliable is visual assessment of the electrically elicited stapedius reflex threshold during cochlear implant surgery, compared with tympanometry?

Abstract

There was almost no difference between reflex thresholds measured with the two different techniques under the same intra-operative conditions. Therefore, we conclude that differences between intra- and post-operative thresholds are not due to the use of different measuring techniques. The main reason for such differences is probably the influence of intra-operative narcotics on reflex thresholds.