Electric acoustic stimulation

Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS)

Diagram illustrating the components of Electric Acoustic Stimulation

Electric Acoustic Stimulation (EAS) is a hearing technology that combines cochlear implants and hearing aids to assist individuals with hearing loss. This hybrid approach is particularly beneficial for those with residual low-frequency hearing but significant high-frequency hearing loss.

Overview

EAS systems are designed to provide acoustic amplification for low-frequency sounds and electric stimulation for high-frequency sounds. This dual approach allows users to benefit from the natural sound quality of acoustic hearing while also gaining access to the high-frequency sounds that are typically lost in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss.

Components

The EAS system consists of two main components:

• Acoustic Component: This part functions like a traditional hearing aid, amplifying low-frequency sounds. It is typically worn behind the ear and delivers sound through an ear mold.

• Electric Component: This part involves a cochlear implant, which bypasses damaged hair cells in the cochlea and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. The implant consists of an external processor and an internal electrode array.

Indications

EAS is indicated for individuals who have:

• Residual low-frequency hearing that can benefit from acoustic amplification.
• Severe to profound high-frequency hearing loss that requires electric stimulation.
• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

Benefits

The benefits of EAS include:

• Improved speech understanding in both quiet and noisy environments.
• Enhanced music appreciation due to the preservation of low-frequency hearing.
• Better sound localization and spatial hearing.

Limitations

While EAS offers significant advantages, there are limitations:

• Not suitable for individuals with no residual hearing.
• Requires surgical implantation of the cochlear implant component.
• Regular maintenance and programming adjustments are necessary.

Related pages

• Cochlear implant
• Hearing aid
• Hearing loss
• Audiology