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Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Impedance Monitoring for Cochlear Implant Surgery
Published on: August 4, 2023
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial cochlear implant infection: An emerging pathogen
Objective And Importance:
To report one of the first cases of a cochlear implant infected by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), an emerging otologic pathogen.
Clinical Presentation:
We report the case of a 78-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated cochlear implantation though subsequently developed wound dehiscence and device exposure. Tissue culture grew non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection with Mycobacterium abscessus.
Intervention:
The device was explanted, the surgical bed debrided, and the patient was successfully treated with a prolonged course of oral and parenteral antibiotics. She elected not to undergo re-implantation.
Conclusion:
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections are being increasingly encountered and reported within the temporal bone. Although this is the first reported case of cochlear implant contamination with NTM, surgeons should be aware of this entity so that an appropriate treatment plan can be initiated.
