Facial nerve aberrations and their implications for cochlear implantation

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure with progressively widening indications in the management of profound deafness. In the majority of cases the operation involves the formation of a posterior tympanotomy for electrode insertion. This process carries documented risks to the mastoid portion of the facial nerve. Here we summarize the variations found in the mastoid portion of the facial nerve, discuss the surgical methods that optimize nerve safety and present the Yorkshire Cochlear Implant Unit's series.