Traditional and emerging indications in cochlear and auditory brainstem implants

Electrical stimulation of the auditory pathway via a cochlear or an auditory brainstem implant has been proved to an effective and safe procedure in the treatment of many patients suffering from a profound sensorineural hearing loss of cochlear and retrocochlear origin. In this paper we will present the impact of experience, technical advances in the design of auditory implants, and improvements in stimulation strategies in traditional criteria for implantation. Besides current indications for cochlear and auditory brainstem implants, we will review a continuously expanding group of potential candidates, namely emerging indications. This review will be exemplified with data from the University of Navarra Cochlear Implant Program, currently accounting for more than 500 patients implanted.