Auditory Brainstem Implantation: Candidacy Evaluation, Operative Technique, and Outcomes

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) stimulate the auditory system at the cochlear nucleus, bypassing the peripheral auditory system including the auditory nerve. They are used in patients who are not cochlear implant candidates. Current criteria for use in the United States are neurofibromatosis type 2 patients 12 years or older undergoing first- or second-side vestibular schwannoma removal. However, there are other nontumor conditions in which patients may benefit from an ABI, such as bilateral cochlear nerve aplasia and severe cochlear malformation not amendable to cochlear implantation. Recent experience with ABI in the pediatric population demonstrates good safety profile and encouraging results.