Cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear malformations

Objective To describe clinical experiences with multi-channel cochlear implantation in patients with bilateral inner ear malformations. Methods Among 410 patients who received multi-channel cochlear implantations from 1996 to 2004 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, 82 patients were diagnosed with inner ear malformations and implanted. A retrospective analysis was performed about the surgical characteristics and mapping characteristics after implantation. Results (1) All patients had auditory sensations. (2)Gusher was more common than the normal cochlear implantation. (3)The electrodes were inserted in the "cochleostomy" in full length of 80 Patients, but 2 pairs of electrodes remained outside of "cochleostomy" in 2 patients. (4) No serious complications occurred after implantation. (5) The impedance of the electrodes, the T level and C level were similar with the normal cochlear implantation. The results had no significant difference in compare with normal cochlear group ( P 0. 05 ). (6) The abilities of speech discrimination and spoken language were improved through rehabilitation. Conclusions The cochlear implantation can be performed safely in inner ear malformations. The outcome of hearing rehabilitation for patients with inner ear malformations are similar to those children with normal cochlear structure followed the multi-channel cochlear implantation.