Cochlear implantation in incomplete partition type I

To share our experience in cochlear implanted patients with incomplete partition type I, to compare it with the literature results and to disclose difficulties facing cochlear implant teams dealing with these patients.

Clinical records of 1089 cochlear implant procedures in a cochlear implant center were reviewed and data of patients who had incomplete partition type I were enrolled in this study. Their auditory and speech performances were evaluated 3 years after the implantation.

Eighteen cases (1.65%) had incomplete partition type I. Cerebrospinal fluid gusher was encountered during opening the cochlea in 15 patients (83.3%). There were no cases of persistent CSF leak or postoperative meningitis. In 61.1% of patients, some additional anomalies were found during the operation. Although in 55.6% of cases no electrically evoked compound action potential was detected even in long-term follow-up, all patients had satisfactory auditory and speech outcome.

Cochlear implantation is a relatively safe and effective treatment for patients who have incomplete partition type I, even if the procedure may be somehow challenging.