Speech-ABRs in cochlear implant recipients: feasibility study

<b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of recording speech-ABRs from cochlear implant (CI) recipients, and to remove the artefact using a clinically applicable single-channel approach. <b>Design:</b> Speech-ABRs were recorded to a 40 ms [da] presented <i>via</i> loudspeaker using a two-channel electrode montage. Additionally, artefacts were recorded using an artificial-head incorporating a MED-EL CI with stimulation parameters as similar as possible to those of three MED-EL participants. A single-channel artefact removal technique was applied to all responses. <b>Study sample:</b> A total of 12 adult CI recipients (6 Cochlear Nucleus and 6 MED-EL CIs). <b>Results:</b> Responses differed according to the CI type, artefact removal resulted in responses containing speech-ARB characteristics in two MED-EL CI participants; however, it was not possible to verify whether these were true responses or were modulated by artefacts, and artefact removal was successful from the artificial-head recordings. <b>Conclusions:</b> This is the first study that attempted to record speech-ABRs from CI recipients. Results suggest that there is a potential for application of a single-channel approach to artefact removal. However, a more robust and adaptive approach to artefact removal that includes a method to verify true responses is needed.