A myogenic-based evoked response (termed the 'MER' for purposes of this application), heretofore considered an undesirable artifact in response to an applied Cochlear stimulus, is deliberately sensed and measured with permanently implanted electrodes connected to a Cochlear implant device. The measured MER is then used to assist in the objective programming of the Cochlear implant. The MER may be measured between two intra-Cochlear electrodes, between one intra-Cochlear electrode and one extra-Cochlear reference electrode, or between two extra-Cochlear electrodes. Because the measured MER is believed to pre-empt the actual stapedius reflex, the electrodes need not be placed into or in close proximity to the stapedial tendon, the stapes, or the facial nerve.
Objective programming and operation of a Cochlear implant based on measured evoked potentials that precede the stapedius reflex