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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
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Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
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Cochlear implant electrode sealing techniques and related intracochlear pressure changes.
Ingo Todt1, Julica Utca2, Dania Karimi2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Warenerstr.7, 12683, Berlin, Germany. todt@gmx.net.
Summary
Sealing cochlear implant insertions impacts intracochlear pressure. Pushing tissue in, like with the donut-like fascia ring, significantly increases pressure, which is not recommended for hearing preservation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cochlear implant electrode insertion requires sealing the cochleostomy or round window to prevent infection and leakage.
- Maintaining low intracochlear pressure is crucial for hearing preservation during cochlear implantation surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different sealing techniques on intracochlear pressure changes.
- To compare pressure variations associated with various methods of sealing cochlear implant sites.
Main Methods:
- Cochlear implant electrode insertions were simulated in an artificial cochlear model.
- Intracochlear pressure was measured using a micro-pressure sensor in the apical region.
- Four sealing techniques were evaluated: overlay, overlay with pushed-in fascia, donut-like fascia ring, and donut-like fascia ring with pushed-in fascia.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in intracochlear pressure peak amplitudes were observed across sealing techniques.
- The overlay technique resulted in the lowest pressure amplitude (0.14 ± 0.06 mmHg).
- The donut-like fascia ring pushed in technique yielded the highest pressure amplitude (1.79 ± 0.69 mmHg).
Conclusions:
- Sealing techniques for cochlear implant electrode insertion can significantly alter intracochlear pressure.
- Techniques involving pushing sealing tissue into the cochlea are not advisable due to elevated pressure changes.
