Stapedius Muscle Reflex Recording Electrode with a Sacrificial Part

A method of embedding a stapedius muscle electrode into stapedius muscle tissue, the method comprising:

• providing a stapedius muscle electrode arrangement including:
• i. at least one wire electrode having an inner conducting wire covered by an outer layer of electrical insulation with an electrode opening that exposes underlying conducting wire;
• and
• ii. a curved needle having a tip configured for insertion into stapedius muscle tissue, and a base end coupled to the at least one wire electrode;
• drilling an opening into bone of the pyramidal eminence of the patient at least part way towards the underlying stapedius muscle;
• creating a tunnel between the opening and a natural orifice of the stapedial tendon;
• inserting the tip of the curved needle through the tunnel into the stapedius muscle;
• directing the tip of the curved needle through the stapedius muscle into the stapedius tendon and out the distal end of the stapedius tendon;
• pulling the curved needle out through the outer surface of the stapedius tendon to embed the at least one wire electrode and the electrode opening in the stapedius muscle;
• and
• separating the curved needle from the at least one wire electrode.