P300 as a Measure of Auditory Memory in Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to check the feasibility of recording autiory P300 in children with cochlear implants using commercially available auditory evoked potential system. The present study also investigated if there is an association between auditory memory and auditory P300. Methods: The participants of the study included 10 children with monaural cochlear implant attending auditory verbal therapy. The age of the children ranged from 2 years to 7 years 8 months years. Audiotry P300 was recorded using Biologic Navigator Pro Auditory Evoked Potential System. Auditory memory was measured using 4-digit sequences. Results: Cortical auditory evoked potential could be recorded from 9 out of 10 children. The latency and amplitude of P300 showed a significant correlation with memory for 4-digit sequences. Discussion: The results of the present study highlights that auditory P300 can be recorded for the passive task from children using cochlear implants. It has been reported in the literature that cognitive and memory abilities are crucial for the development of auditory discrimination and hence can be a factor affecting the outcome of cochlear implants. The results suggest that P300 can probably be used to assess memory and cognitive abilities of children using cochlear implants. Conclusions: The results suggest that P300 can be recorded in clinical setup and probably will help in the objective assessment of memory abilities in children with cochlear implants.