title: [Clinical application of the multichannel auditory brainstem implant].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the surgical techniques and speech performance of multichannel auditory brainstem implant (ABI) in patients with bilateral acoustic neuromas (neurofibromatosis type 2).
  
  
  METHODS
  The nucleus 21 channel auditory brainstem implant was implanted into the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle through the translabyrinthine approach in 7 patients after removal of the tumor. The accurate placement of electrode array was ensured by the electromyogram monitoring of the 7th and 9th nerves and the electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABR). Initial switch-on occurred six weeks postoperatively. Speech evaluation was performed every 3 months for the first year and annually thereafter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the surgery, the lateral recess could be found and the typical EABR could be recorded in 6 cases. They later reported a significant benefit from the device. Two of the cases have achieved functional open-set speech understanding. In contrast, one patient with no EABR because of difficulty of the anatomic location during the surgery had no sensations postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The multichannel ABI could effectively restore auditory sensations in patients deafened by bilateral acoustic neuromas. The accurate location of the cochlear nucleus complex during surgery was the key factor for the success of the operation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Beaujon Hospital, University Paris 7, 92110 Clichy, France. wuhao622@public7.sta.net.cn
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sterkers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bouccara
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D038262:Auditory Brain Stem Implants; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; D005260:Female; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016518:Neurofibromatosis 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013067:Speech Perception