[Facial paralysis of infectious origin in patients receiving cochlear implants]

Peripheral facial paralysis during cochlear implant surgery appears in 0.43 % of adults and 0.39 % of children. Peripheral facial paralysis secondary to acute otitis media is very rare in adults, while the incidence in children remains between 0.19 % and 0.45 %. We present 3 cases of patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery at our department, and who presented peripheral facial paralysis secondary to acute otitis media. The procedure is similar to facial paralysis secondary to acute otitis media in children. Treatment consists of parenteral antibiotic and corticosteroid treatment. Prognosis is favourable, with a total recovery of facial function in 1 or more months.