Cochlear implantation in children with bacterial meningitic deafness: The influence of the degree of ossification and obliteration on impedance and charge of the implant.

AbstractObjectivesTo determine impedance values and charge consumption following cochlear implantation post-meningitic deaf children depending on the grade of cochlear ossification and obliteration.MethodsPost-meningitic deaf (n = 49) and control (n = 43) children treated with cochlear implants were included in the study. Impedance and charge values were calculated for each group. The degree of ossification of the cochlea was evaluated from a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan whereas the degree of obliteration was determined intraoperatively by the surgeon.ResultsPneumococci were the principal pathogen responsible for bacterial meningitis, followed by meningococci. In HRCT scans, the degree of ossification was 1 and 2 in 29% of patients. The results of the intraoperative assessment of the cochlea showed obliteration grade 1 in 38% and grade 2 in 23% of cases. Children in the meningitis group showed significant higher impedances comparing to the control group. A significantly increased charge...