Optical imaging of cat auditory cortical organization after electrical stimulation of a multichannel cochlear implant: differential effects of acute and chronic stimulation.

To study the effects of electrical stimulation on cortical activation patterns. Optical imaging of auditory cortex in cats that are acutely and chronically electrically stimulated with cochlear implants. Chronic electrical stimulation results in expansion of cortical territory and overlap. Effects of chronic electrical stimulation are comparable to use-dependent cortical plastic reorganization.