Cochlear implantation outcomes in patients with far advanced otosclerosis

To compare hearing outcomes in patients with far advanced otosclerosis (FAO) undergoing cochlear implantation to an age-matched group of controls, to describe the effects of cochlear ossification on hearing, and to review the adverse effects of implantation in patients with FAO.

Hearing performance in patients with FAO after cochlear implantation is comparable to similarly treated postlingually deafened adults without FAO. Ossification or retrofenestral otosclerosis does not predict poor hearing outcomes. Modiolar-hugging technology reduces postoperative facial nerve stimulation.

Retrospective chart review.

Academic neurotologic tertiary referral center.

Thirty patients with FAO, who metaudiological criteria for cochlear implantation, were compared to 30 age-matched controls, postlingually deafened by non-otosclerotic causes.

Audiometric pre- and postoperative speech reception threshold, word, and sentence scores were analyzed. The presence of retrofenestral findings on computed tomography or intraoperative cochlear ossification were noted.

In the FAO group, radiographic abnormalities were noted in 26.4% of patients. Intraoperative ossification requiring drillout was seen in 29.4% of patients. None developed postoperative facial nerve stimulation. There was no difference between the FAO and control groups in the mean short-term and long-term postoperative speech reception threshold, word, and sentence scores (P = .77). The presence of radiographic abnormalities did not predict hearing outcome. Intraoperative cochlear ossification was not associated with worse short-term word and sentence scores (P = .58 and 0.79, respectively), and for the long-term hearing outcome (P = .24).

In patients with FAO, effective and safe hearing rehabilitation can be accomplished with cochlear implantation.