Retrofacial Approach for Cochlear Implantation in Chronic Otitis Media: A Case Report

Cochlear implantation is anatomically more difficult in postoperative ears than in normal ears due to chronic otitis media. In cochlear implantation after canal wall down mastoidectomy, the electrodes must be protected. We report a case of cochlear implantation with partial mastoid obliteration using a retrofacial approach in an 81-year-old woman. Bilateral tympanoplasty was performed for bilateral chronic otitis media, but no improvement in hearing was observed. Hearing aids were used, but their effect was insufficient and cochlear implantation was needed. Since the patient was an older adult with diabetes, it was necessary to avoid the risk of wound infection associated with fat harvesting from the abdomen, which is necessary for overclosure of the external ear. Therefore, we chose to perform partial mastoid obliteration using a retrofacial approach to ensure the prevention of electrode exposure. One year after surgery, the electrode had not been exposed or infected. The ear canal was preserved, and the eardrum could be observed. Although long-term follow-up is required, this approach may be useful for cochlear implantation in patients with chronic otitis media after canal wall down mastoidectomy.