Successful cochlear implantation in a child after recovery from a head and neck malignancy: a case report

We present the case of a successful pediatric cochlear implantation that was carried out following bilateral perilingual deafness caused by meningitis during the treatment of a childhood malignant tumor. A rhabdomyosarcoma localized in the frontobasal area was removed from the child at the age of 2 years. He then received 11 months of postoperative cytostatic treatment. A purulent meningitis developed at the end of the chemotherapy, resulting in a major-grade, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (practically a perilingual deafness). After 6 tumor-free years and a meticulous preoperative assessment, a Nucleus 24 M cochlear implant was successfully implanted in the child's left ear. Two years after the operation, the child shows excellent hearing results and moderate speech development.