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Updated: May 25, 2026
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Planned simultaneous bilateral cochlear implant operations: how often do children receive only one implant?
Jennifer F Holland1, Karyn L Galvin, Robert J S Briggs
1Department of Otolaryngology, 550 Swanston Street, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. jfh@unimelb.edu.au
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of planned simultaneous cochlear implant operations that do not result in simultaneous cochlear implants on the day of surgery. The frequency with which this occurs has not been reported in the literature, and such information is important for parents' pre-operative decision making.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric cochlear implant operations performed in the period January 2007-July 2010 at the Melbourne Cochlear Implant Clinic. The number of planned simultaneous cochlear implant procedures and the results of these surgeries were catalogued. Reasons for not proceeding with simultaneous cochlear implants as planned were also identified.
Results:
In the time period examined, there were a total of 50 planned simultaneous cochlear implant operations. Of these planned simultaneous operations, 22% did not result in bilateral cochlear implants on the day of surgery, with all children involved receiving a first-side cochlear implant only. In the majority of cases, the reason for a first-side cochlear implant only was otitis media.
Conclusion:
In the time period examined, a considerable proportion of planned simultaneous cochlear implant operations did not result in simultaneous bilateral implantation on the day of surgery. It is important that the likelihood of this outcome is discussed with families during pre-operative counseling as it may influence their decision making.
