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Published on: August 4, 2023
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Cochlear Implantation in Children with Otitis Media
Farid Alzhrani1, Mohammed Saeed Alahmari2, Ibrahim Khalid Al Jabr2
11King Abdullah Ear Specialist Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Children with otitis media can safely receive cochlear implants without delay. This study found no long-term complications, suggesting timely implantation is effective for pediatric patients with ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Otitis media can complicate cochlear implant candidacy.
- Concerns exist regarding surgical difficulties and complications in children with otitis media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate surgical difficulties and long-term complications of cochlear implantation in children with otitis media.
- To determine if delaying implantation until otitis media resolves is necessary.
Main Methods:
- Comparative retrospective study.
- Chart review of 200 pediatric patients who received cochlear implants in 2012.
- Patients categorized into non-otitis media, chronic otitis media with effusion, and acute otitis media groups.
- Follow-up for 4 years post-surgery.
Main Results:
- No long-term complications observed in any group.
- Increased operative time (45 min longer) in the acute otitis media group.
- Average delay of over 5 months for cochlear implantation in the chronic otitis media group.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with otitis media can undergo cochlear implantation safely and effectively in one stage.
- Delaying cochlear implantation solely due to otitis media may not be necessary.
- Timely implantation is feasible and does not lead to adverse long-term outcomes.
