Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Report of endoscopic cochlear implantation
Abdulrahman Dia1, Joao Flavio Nogueira, Kevin M O'Grady
1*University of Illinois at Chicago; †Hospital Geral de Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil; and ‡Director of Otology/Neurotology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Insights
Transcanal endoscopic cochlear implantation offers a safe and feasible alternative for sensorineural hearing loss. This minimally invasive approach shows promising patient outcomes and implant function.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNH) impacts millions globally.
- Traditional cochlear implantation (CI) involves a transmastoid approach.
- Advancements in endoscopic techniques offer potential for less invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient outcomes following transcanal endoscopic cochlear implantation (TECI).
- To assess the safety and feasibility of TECI for SNH.
- To compare TECI with the standard open transmastoid approach.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five TECI procedures were performed on 24 ears in patients aged 7-65 with SNH.
- Exclusion criteria included smaller pediatric patients and obese adults.
- Outcomes measured included implant position, function, and postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- All implants were successfully inserted and functional.
- Mean follow-up was 16 months.
- Minor complications like EAC/TM tears and wound infections were reported but resolved; no facial nerve injury occurred.
Conclusions:
- TECI is a viable, safe, and feasible alternative to the standard open transmastoid approach.
- Endoscopic CI demonstrates good implant function and acceptable complication rates.
- Further research may solidify TECI's role in SNH treatment.
Objectives:
To report patient outcomes after transcanal endoscopic cochlear implantation for sensorineural hearing loss.
Patients:
Males and female subjects more than 7 years old with sensorineural hearing loss (confirmed with audiologic studies) were selected. CT imaging was used to rule out any anatomic anomalies of the temporal bone. Smaller pediatric patients whose canal might still be growing and who might have a higher incidence of otitis media and otitis externa were excluded. Obese adults whose canal skin was too thick to allow good access down the ear canal were also excluded.
Intervention(S):
Surgical (therapeutic). Endoscopic cochlear implantation using a transcanal approach.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Implant position and function. Postoperative complications specifically related to transcanal approach and use of the endoscope.
Results:
Twenty-five endoscopic cochlear implantations were performed in 24 ears on 11 female and 10 male subjects aged 7-65 years. Eight patients were implanted in Brazil, and 13 patients (17 yr) were implanted in the United States. All implants were fully inserted into the scala tympani, and 24 functioned normally with appropriate thresholds. Mean time of follow-up was 16 months (SD, ±7.2). The chorda tympani was sacrificed in 2 of 25 procedures, 12 EAC/TM tears occurred which healed by the second follow-up visit. No injury to the facial nerve was observed. One postoperative wound infection and 1 otitis externa each resolved with 1 week of antibiotics. Implant array was visible through the EACs skin but not exposed in 6 of 24 ears.
Conclusion:
Endoscopic cochlear implantation may become a viable, safe, and feasible alternative to the standard open transmastoid approach.
