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Cochlear implantation in children with cochlear malformations
R A Hoffman1, L L Downey, S B Waltzman
1Department of Otolaryngology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016, USA.
Objective:
To address the surgical and habilitative issues raised by cochlear implantation in children with cochlear dysplasia.
Study Design:
The English-language literature is reviewed and the New York University Medical Center experience with three patients is detailed. Two hundred institutions performing cochlear implants were queried by questionnaire.
Setting:
Hospitals performing cochlear implantation.
Patients:
Pediatric patients with a cochlear implant in an ear with a dysplastic cochlea.
Main Outcome Measures:
Preoperative computed tomography analysis of cochlear anatomy was compared with operative findings, complications, and postoperative device use.
Results:
Facial nerve anatomy was anomalous in 16% of patients, and there were two surgical injuries. There were no cases of meningitis. All patients who received multichannel implants derive benefit and wear their devices.
Conclusions:
All degrees of cochlear dysplasia, ranging from incomplete partition to common cavity, can be safely implanted and auditory responses expected.