Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution computertomography (HRCT) in cochlear implant candidates

Cochlear implant candidates must be thoroughly tested for their suitability pre-operatively. Electrical and electrophysiological tests as well as a psychological assessment are of fundamental importance in the selection process. The implantation of an intracochlear electrode requires specific information about the anatomy of the petrous bone and the endocochlear space. Such information can be obtained by using high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a surface coil. Over three years 438 patients were evaluated in our clinic as possible implant candidates. Out of these candidates 251 were evaluated using HRCT and 123 using MRI. In 39 (15.5%) cases we found bony abnormalities of the petrous bone using HRCT scans. 17 (13.8%) of the cases evaluated with MRI had no complete fluid filled spaces in the cochlea. Three patients who where identified as having ossified cochleas were subsequently implanted with an extracochlear device. MRI and HRCT have proved to be fundamental tools in determining patients suitable for implantation of an intracochlear electrode array.