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Updated: May 25, 2026
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Performing Repeated Intraoperative Impedance Telemetry Measurements during Cochlear Implantation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Symptom timeline preceding cochlear implant failure: an institutional experience
Brianne Barnett Roby1, Melissa Ferrello, Tina C Huang
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, USA. barne284@umn.edu
Summary
Cochlear implant failure rates were 15% between 1988-2008. Recognizing symptom patterns for medical and device failures can help otolaryngologists counsel patients on cochlear implant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Analysis
Background:
- Cochlear implantation is a complex procedure with potential for device and medical complications.
- Understanding the incidence and patterns of cochlear implant failure is crucial for patient management and device improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cochlear explants to determine the incidence of device and medical failures.
- To develop a pattern of symptoms indicative of probable cochlear implant failure.
Main Methods:
- A case series with chart review was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
- Data from 128 cochlear explantations between 1988 and 2008 were analyzed.
- Symptoms and timelines preceding implant failure were documented.
Main Results:
- The overall cochlear implant failure rate was 15% (128/847), comprising 6% medical and 9% device failures.
- Advanced Bionic devices had a 16.7% failure rate, while Cochlear Nucleus devices had an 11% failure rate.
- Medical failures (infection, wound dehiscence) averaged 4.5 months to explantation; device failures (malfunction) averaged 4.2 months; soft failures (tinnitus, discomfort) averaged over 8 months.
Conclusions:
- Distinct patterns exist for medical and device-related cochlear implant failures.
- Identifying these symptom patterns enables otolaryngologists to better counsel patients regarding potential cochlear implant complications and outcomes.
