Remote Intraoperative Monitoring During Cochlear Implant Surgery Is Feasible and Efficient

TLDR

Intraoperative cochlear implant testing, including threshold determination and neural response recording, has traditionally required an audiologist to be physically present in the operating room. This study aimed to assess whether remote testing could be performed feasibly to enhance time efficiency and lower costs. Using a prospective design, a standard PC with Tridia VNC and manufacturer mapping software enabled remote testing, and the time required for on‑site versus remote procedures was recorded. Remote testing proved technically feasible, unrestricted by geography, and dramatically reduced audiologist time from 93 minutes to 9 minutes, making it time‑saving, practical, and cost‑efficient.

Abstract

Objectives: Intraoperative testing of cochlear implant devices, establishment of electrical threshold for acoustic reflex, and recording neural responses to electrical stimulation have traditionally required the presence of a cochlear implant audiologist in the operating room. The goal of this study was to determine the feasibility of remote testing to improve time efficiency and reduce cost. Study Design: Prospective. Methods: A standard PC with Tridia VNC software and either Cochlear Corporation or Advanced Bionics Corporation mapping software was configured to perform remote testing. The time required to perform on-site or remote testing was measured. Results: With the availability of the laptop and internet access, there were no geographic restrictions regarding the site of remote testing. Remote testing was time efficient, requiring 9 minutes of audiologist's time compared with 93 minutes when the audiologist had to travel to the operating room. Conclusion: Remote testing of the cochlear implant device and patient's response to electrical stimulation is technically feasible. It is timesaving, practical, and cost efficient.