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Otitis media in children with cochlear implants
M Luntz1, A V Hodges, T Balkany
1University of Miami Ear Institute, Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami, FL 33156, USA.
Insights
Cochlear implants did not increase acute otitis media (AOM) in children. Post-implantation AOM incidence and severity decreased, with successful oral antibiotic treatment. History of AOM should not delay cochlear implant surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) is a common pediatric condition.
- Cochlear implantation is a crucial intervention for hearing loss in children.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of cochlear implants on middle ear infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and severity of AOM in children following cochlear implantation.
- To determine if cochlear implantation exacerbates or improves AOM in pediatric patients.
- To assess the need for further intervention for AOM post-implantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 50 children who received cochlear implants between 1991-1995.
- Analysis of AOM incidence before and after cochlear implantation.
- Evaluation of AOM in a subgroup of children who previously required ventilating tubes.
Main Results:
- 74% of children had AOM before implantation; 16% had AOM after implantation.
- All post-implantation AOM cases had a prior history of AOM.
- AOM incidence and severity decreased post-implantation; all cases treated successfully with oral antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implantation is safe regarding AOM incidence and severity.
- Pediatric cochlear implant recipients experienced a reduction in AOM post-surgery.
- A history of recurrent AOM should not be a contraindication for timely cochlear implantation.
Abstract:
Fifty children who received a cochlear implant between 1991 and 1995 were evaluated for incidence of acute otitis media (AOM). Thirty-seven (74%) children had AOM before implantation and 8 (16%) after implantation. All children who had AOM after implantation had a history of AOM. A subgroup of 14 children required ventilating tubes for recurrent AOM before implantation. Five (35.7%) in this group had AOM after implantation. The incidence and severity of AOM decreased after implantation. All episodes of postimplant AOM were successfully treated with routine oral antibiotics, and no infectious complications occurred. A history of recurrent AOM should not inordinately delay cochlear implantation.