Cochlear Implantation in Children with Inner Ear Malformations: Auditory Outcomes, Safety and the Role of Anatomical...

Background/Objectives: Cochlear implantation (CI) has been shown to be effective in children with inner ear malformations (IEMs). However, outcomes vary with malformation type and anatomical complexity. Advances in radiological classification may improve the understanding of such variability to better guide patient counseling. We aimed to assess one-year post-implant auditory outcomes in children with IEMs using radiology-based classifications, and to explore genetic and perinatal predictors. We also propose a preliminary severity score derived from the INCAV system. Methods: Out of 303 pediatric CI recipients assessed at a tertiary center, we retrospectively analyzed 41 children (82 ears) diagnosed with IEMs. Malformations were categorized with the Sennaroğlu system and re-coded using INCAV, from which a severity score was derived. Postoperative outcomes were assessed in 56 implanted ears, including pure-tone average (PTA), word recognition score (WRS), and post-surgical complications. Statistical analyses included Spearman's correlation, linear regression, and exploratory discriminant MANOVA. Results: The most frequent malformation was enlarged vestibular aqueduct (33%), followed by incomplete partition type II (22%). CI was performed in 56 malformed ears with a complication rate of 10.7%. PTA and WRS correlated with the INCAV-derived severity score, with higher severity linked to poorer thresholds and lower WRS. Linear regression showed severity explained ~20% of PTA variance, with outcomes more frequently impaired in ears with scores > 3. Exploratory analysis revealed inter-subject variability, with partial separation of mild versus moderate/severe groups mainly driven by PTA and WRS. Conclusions: CI in pediatric IEMs is safe and consistently improves hearing thresholds. PTA was the most robust predictor of performance, while the INCAV-derived severity score, though exploratory, may provide additional value for anatomical stratification, prognostic counseling, and rehabilitation planning.