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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Cochlear Implant Surgery and Electrically-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response Recordings in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: January 9, 2019
[Magnetic resonance imaging study and cochlear implantation in post-meningitic deaf patients]
Xiuli Liu1, Yiwen Yao, Guili He
1Department of Otolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
Objective:
To investigate the clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in post-meningitic patients and its impact on surgical decision.
Method:
The pre-operative MRI data and auditory brainstem response (ABR) examination of five post-meningitic patients were studied. They were implanted with cochleas.
Result:
The interval between the onset of bacterial meningitis and the hearing loss was (15.8 +/- 15.0)d and it was longer in children than adults. Five ears showed membranous cochlear labyrinth abnormality; 3 ears had vestibule vestibule abnormality; 8 ears demonstrated semicircular canal abnormality on MRI examinations in totally 10 ears. The mean hearing threshold of 10 ears was (102.0 +/- 7.1)dB HL,that of the operated ears was (98.0 +/- 5.7)dB HL and that of the un-operated ears was (106.0 +/- 6.5)dB HL. It was (15.8 +/- 15.0)d from the bacterial meningitis onset to hearing loss. The interval is longer in children than adults. There were 3 ears that electrodes could not be inserted completely.
Conclusion:
The bacterial meningitis may cause the abnormalities of inner ears and the MRI before surgery is essential for the pre-operative planning of cochlear implant.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for planning cochlear implant surgery in patients with post-meningitic hearing loss. MRI reveals inner ear abnormalities caused by bacterial meningitis, guiding surgical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroradiology
- Pediatric Neurology
Context:
- Bacterial meningitis can lead to significant hearing loss, necessitating advanced interventions like cochlear implantation.
- Assessing inner ear structures in post-meningitic patients is vital for surgical success.
- Pre-operative evaluation is critical for managing complications and optimizing outcomes.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in post-meningitic patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
- To determine the impact of MRI findings on surgical planning and decision-making.
- To correlate imaging findings with auditory brainstem response (ABR) data and hearing thresholds.
Summary:
- Pre-operative MRI revealed inner ear abnormalities in five post-meningitic patients, including membranous cochlear, vestibular, and semicircular canal abnormalities.
- The average hearing threshold was 102.0 dB HL, with operated ears showing a slightly better threshold (98.0 dB HL) than un-operated ears (106.0 dB HL).
- Electrode insertion was challenging in three ears, highlighting potential surgical complexities indicated by imaging.
Impact:
- MRI is essential for pre-operative planning in cochlear implant surgery for post-meningitic patients.
- Identifying inner ear abnormalities via MRI can guide surgical approaches and improve patient selection.
- This study underscores the link between bacterial meningitis and inner ear damage, emphasizing the role of advanced imaging in otological surgery.