Electrochlearography

The diagnostic method, called electrochlearography, measures electrical potentials reproduced by the inner ear during the passage of sound waves. This procedure is relevant in determining the excess fluid in the cavity of the inner ear. In particular, the procedure is carried out:

• with hearing impairment;
• when there is noise and ringing in the ears;
• with a feeling of stuffiness in the ear.

For the study, special equipment is used, and testing continues from 40 minutes to an hour and a half.

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Indications for conduction

The following situations are considered to be the basis for conducting electrochleocleography:

• paroxysmal dizziness, repeated against a background of noise or ringing in the ears, a decrease in the auditory function;
• sensorineural hearing impairment in one ear;
• stasis or a feeling of constriction in the ear that does not respond to conductance of impedance;
• periodic dizziness, uncertain gait;
• diagnosis of Ménière's disease;
• control the dynamics of treatment of ear diseases.

Very often electrochromography is used in pediatrics, to determine the auditory threshold and for other purposes:

• when assessing hearing in children with increased excitability of the central nervous system;
• at differential diagnostics of neurosensory and conductive hearing loss.

Preparation

Before the procedure of electrochlearography, the doctor performs otoscopy - examination of the ear canals. For this purpose, illumination and a frontal reflector are used, which reflects the rays into the cavity of the examined ear.

If necessary, cleaning of the auricle and passages from the residues of sulfuric substance is carried out. The tympanic membrane is irrigated with an isotonic solution of sodium chloride.

There are no other special measures to prepare for the procedure of electrochlearography. After the test, the patient can go home on his own.

Examination in young children can be performed using general anesthesia. This should be taken into account by the parents of the baby: before going to the procedure, it is necessary to discuss the questions about the preparation of the child with an anesthesiologist and a doctor who will conduct the diagnosis.

How is electrochlear?

Before the electrocoolography procedure, the patient is placed in a soundproofed room and laid on his side - in such a way that the examined ear is at the top. Under the supervision of a doctor, a special electrode is inserted with a help of an omicroscope, which is fixed with a fixator located at the microphone. The second electrode, intended for grounding, is adjusted at the level of the seventh cervical vertebra, and the negative electrode is at the level of the contralateral mastoid process. Typically, the procedure involves the use of silver-plated cup electrodes filled with an electrically conductive mass.

After fixing the electrodes, the doctor transmits electrical messages in the form of short acoustic tones and different-frequency sounds. The patient is warned that he will have specific sensations after contact of the tympanic membrane with the electrode, and he should immediately inform the doctor that such feelings have appeared. Based on these data, as well as the results obtained in the form of a graph of amplitudes and potentials, the doctor will be able to establish the correct diagnosis in the future.

The examined person can go home immediately after the procedure, even if local anesthesia is carried out. By the way, doctors do not welcome the use of local anesthesia during the session of electrochlear, as this increases the risk of accidental damage to the tympanic membrane.

Contraindications

As a rule, electrochlearography has no contraindications and complications. If the patient has allergies to local anesthetics used during the procedure, they are replaced with safer means.

During testing, the patient may experience a slight discomfort and unpleasant sensations in the hearing organs. However, these symptoms pass without a trace immediately after the procedure of electrochlearography.

Reviews about electrochlearography

Analyzing the doctors' opinions on electrochlearography, it can be concluded that this method of research provides enough comprehensive information about the auditory threshold, which is especially important in assessing auditory function in childhood.

When carrying out the procedure of electrochlearography in children, it is very important that the child is calm, not fussing and behaving quietly. Otherwise, the study may be at risk. Sometimes in children under 10 years of age, testing is performed under general anesthesia, or sedatives are added to local anesthesia.

Patients respond to electrochlearography as a painless and informative method of hearing research. In some cases, it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis without performing this procedure. At the same time, information obtained by affecting sounds and tones on the eardrum is practically independent of the functionality and condition of the patient's nervous system.

The procedure of electrochlearography has no limitations either on age or on other parameters.

Where to make electrochlearography?

• In Kiev, electrochlearography can be performed at the Center for Aurora Auditory Rehabilitation, which is located at: 20 Geroev Stalingrada St., Kiev.
• In Moscow, the procedure is carried out at the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center for Otolaryngology, FMBA, which is located at: Moscow, Volokolamskoye Highway 30, room 2.
• In St. Petersburg electrochlearography is available at the Research Institute of ENT at: ul. Bronnitskaya, 9.

The average cost of electrochlear in Ukraine is from 400 to 1100 UAH. In Russia, the price of the procedure varies from 1000 to 3500 rubles.

Electrochlearography is a unique method that requires the availability of special equipment. Therefore, this procedure is not available in all medical centers and clinics.