Pre-operative cochlear implant assessment using a round window ball electrode.
Placement of a round window electrode allows far superior electrical assessment of a cochlear implant candidate than promontory stimulation. The approach to the round window necessitates either a tympanomeatal flap, which requires a certain amount of time and nursing support, or a myringotomy which may raise worries about possible iatrogenic perforations as well as about technical difficulties of access to the round window. We have used a myringotomy incision in 20 cases. The technique and results are discussed, both in terms of electrical data obtained and of access to the round window. There were no cases of persistent perforation.
Ryan
R M
RM
Royal Ear Hospital, London.
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D003051:Cochlea; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004566:Electrodes; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012405:Round Window, Ear