Cochlear implants in the management of bilateral acoustic neuromas

Multichannel cochlear implants currently provide the only modality for successful auditory rehabilitation of patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss who derive no benefit from amplification. We have developed a protocol for patients with neurofibromatosis and bilateral acoustic neuromas in which every effort is made to preserve hearing in at least one ear. Failing that, the cochlear nerve is spared, potentially allowing for the insertion of a cochlear implant. We present our data on one such patient whose auditory function was restored with a Nucleus mini 22-channel cochlear implant following removal of his acoustic neuroma.