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Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
The feasibility of cochlear implantation in early infancy
Chenyu Chen1, Chaojun Zeng1, Simin Weng1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China.
Insights
Key anatomical measurements from temporal bone CT scans support early cochlear implantation (CI) in infants. Mastoid thickness develops postnatally, while facial recess width and round window visibility are stable, enabling timely CI for severe hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Cochlear implantation (CI) requires detailed anatomical understanding of the temporal bone.
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is crucial for preoperative assessment.
- Identifying age-related anatomical variations is essential for optimizing CI outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key image anatomical parameters for cochlear implantation (CI) using temporal bone HRCT.
- To analyze age-related differences in these parameters to support early CI.
- To provide anatomical data for guiding CI procedures in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 346 temporal bone HRCT scans from 173 children (5 months to 18 years).
- Measurement of mastoid thickness (MT), facial recess width (FRW), and round window visibility angle on axial images.
- Statistical analysis to assess differences based on gender and age.
Main Results:
- No significant gender-based differences in morphological values.
- Facial recess width (FRW) and round window visibility angle were independent of age.
- Mastoid thickness (MT) showed significant postnatal development (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Middle ear development is stable by 5 months, supporting early CI in infants with severe hearing loss.
- Anatomical parameters like FRW and round window visibility are suitable for early CI assessment.
- Further clinical studies are recommended to validate these exploratory findings.
Objectives:
To determine the key image anatomical parameters that are relevant to cochlear implantation (CI) using temporal bone high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans and to identify age group differences in order to provide image anatomical support for early CI.
Methods:
The data of 346 temporal bone HRCTs of 173 children from 5 months to 18 years of age were retrospectively selected and reviewed. Parameters of the human temporal bone that are relevant to CI key surgical steps include mastoid thickness (MT), the facial recess width (FRW), and an angle representing the round window visibility. All measurements are performed on axial images.
Results:
There was no significant difference in the above morphological values by gender (p > 0,05). Two-sided FRW was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but MT and angle A were significantly different (p < 0,001). FRW and angle were independent of age (p > 0,05). However, MT had been found to exhibit postnatal development. The linear function of MT were calculated as y = 2463 × group(s) + 20,574 (p < 0,001).
Conclusions:
Based on preoperative imaging analysis at different ages, middle ear development was stable at 5 months of age, allowing early CI in infancy with severe to severe hearing loss at this age. These data must be considered exploratory and more extensive clinical studies are needed.
