Cochlear implantation in chronic otitis media

Patients with chronic otitis media (COM) may have profound sensorineural hearing loss either due to the disease process or secondary to a surgical procedure. Some patients who are candidates for cochlear implantation may have COM coincidentally. The patients in this group need special attention when cochlear implantation is applied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential risks and complications in patients with COM. Cochlear implantation was performed in six patients with COM or an infected radical cavity and profound hearing loss. Five of them underwent a two-stage operation, and one had a single-stage operation. Cochlear implantation was performed in all patients without complications. The follow-up period was uneventful. Although such patients have some potential risks, when certain surgical rules are followed very strictly cochlear implantation can be successfully performed in patients with COM.