Infections following cochlear implantation

Cochlear implantation has become routine in the management of children and adults with profound sensorineural hearing loss. In rare cases postoperative infections necessitate removal of the implant. We present six such cases that have been managed within our programme. Extensive infected granulation tissue was found around the implant at exploration despite prolonged intravenous treatment with appropriate antimicrobial agents. All devices were explanted and three have been reimplanted at our unit. We discuss our management of these cases, the need for explantation, consideration for reimplantation and their functional outcome following reimplantation. We also highlight how systemic inflammatory markers can be unhelpful in detecting significant infection surrounding a cochlear implant.