Concepts in Neural Stimulation: Electrical and Optical Modulation of the Auditory Pathways.

Understanding the mechanisms of neural stimulation is necessary to improve the management of sensory disorders. Neurons can be artificially stimulated using electrical current, or with newer stimulation modalities, including optogenetics. Electrical stimulation forms the basis for all neuroprosthetic devices that are used clinically.

Microstructured thin-film electrode technology enables proof of concept of scalable, soft auditory brainstem implants.

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) provide sound awareness to deaf individuals who are not candidates for the cochlear implant. The ABI electrode array rests on the surface of the cochlear nucleus (CN) in the brainstem and delivers multichannel electrical stimulation. The complex anatomy and physiology of the CN, together with poor spatial selectivity of electrical stimulation and inherent stiffness of contemporary multichannel arrays, leads to only modest auditory outcomes among ABI users.

Superior Canal Dehiscence Surgery Outcomes Following Failed Round Window Surgery.

Objective: Round window (RW) occlusion or reinforcement is a less-invasive option compared with direct repair approaches to improve symptoms of superior canal dehiscence (SCD) syndrome. However, RW surgery is associated with variable outcomes. Middle fossa craniotomy or transmastoid repair is an option for SCD patients who fail RW surgery, but it is unknown whether sequential repair following RW plugging improves SCD symptoms or increases complications.