Modeling ECAP in Cochlear Implants Using the FEM and Equivalent Circuits

Abstract

Evoked compound action potential (ECAP) has been used clinically to determine whether auditory nerves are responding to electrical stimulation in cochlear implant systems. In this paper, a novel scheme is proposed to model ECAP and its measurement using a generalized Schwarz-Eikhof-Frijns nerve model and equivalent circuits based on the finite-element (FE) method. A 3-D FE model of a cochlear implant is used in this scheme. The ECAP modeling result is validated with clinical ECAP measurement results.