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Taste sensation following cochlear implantation surgery
F Alzhrani1, T Lenarz, M Teschner
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany. alzhrani.farid@mh-hannover.de
Cochlear Implants International
|January 17, 2013
Summary
Cochlear implantation surgery poses a minimal risk of temporary taste dysfunction. Most taste issues following the procedure are transient, with full recovery expected within six weeks.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Cochlear implantation, particularly with posterior tympanotomy, risks chorda tympani nerve (CTN) damage.
- Taste disorders are a potential complication of this surgical approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk of taste dysfunction after cochlear implantation using a mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy.
- To assess the impact of surgical manipulation on the CTN and subsequent taste function.
Main Methods:
- Taste tests (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) and patient self-ratings were conducted preoperatively, 3 days postoperatively, and 6 weeks postoperatively in 26 patients.
- Intraoperative CTN status was documented by surgeons.
Main Results:
- 19.2% of patients experienced postoperative taste dysfunction (subjective or objective).
- Taste dysfunction occurred even when the CTN was reportedly preserved or protected by bone.
- All reported taste dysfunctions were transient, with 100% recovery by 6 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation surgery presents a low risk of taste dysfunction.
- The majority of taste disturbances are temporary, resolving within six weeks post-surgery.
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