[Cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media-related lesions]

To present the experiences of cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with otitis media-related lesions.

Of the 9 patients with otitis media-related lesions studied for cochlear implantation, one was implanted cochlear in second-stage operation after mastoidectomy and received reconstruction of the posterior ear canal wall with cartilage with perichondrium; one with chronic otitis media (perforation) had CI and tympanoplasty with cartilage with perichondrium in one-stage operation; three with silent otitis media had CI and modified mastoidectomy in one-stage operation; three with mastoid dysplasia and middle ear adhesions had CI and tympanic exploration in one-stage operation; one with cholesteatoma localizedin attic had CI and atticotomy and reconstruction with cartilage with perichondrium.

All devices worked properly. There were no otitis media-related complications.

Patients with chronic suppurative otitis media must have all disease eradicated and do the utmost to reserve anatomic landmark before CI. Patients with silent otitis media can have CI in one-stage operation, if the drainage of Eustachian tube, attic and antrum is satisfying. Patients with cholesteatoma localizedin attic can have CI in one-stage operation, but it is necessary to remove all lesions and reconstruct attic. The infection maybe an important cause of mastoid dysplasia and serious sensorineural deafness. Implanting electrode though the ear canal and promontony is a good method if the mastoid is sclerotic type and it is too difficult to implant though the facial recess. In order to avoid the retraction of drum and electrode dropping off, we can use cartilage with perichondrium to rebuild the drum, the posterior ear canal wall and the attic.