title: Cochlear implantation in otosclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the results obtained in a group of implanted otosclerotic patients with a group of cochlear implant (CI) patients not affected by otosclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine patients affected by profound sensorineural hearing loss caused by otosclerosis and nine patients affected by profound sensorineural hearing loss not caused by otosclerosis were evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cochlear implantation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preoperative imaging, intraoperative findings, postoperative facial nerve stimulation, and speech perception performance measures were performed and the data analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Otosclerosis patients showed signs of cochlear ossification both on high-resolution computed tomography scans and intraoperatively. The incidence of facial nerve stimulation was higher in the otosclerosis group, three out of nine, and was generally related to the use of electrical stimulation from the Nucleus 22 cochlear implant. Psychophysical and speech perception measures did not show significant differences between the two groups, despite some otosclerosis patients showing increased electrical thresholds and comfort levels and slightly poorer speech perception performance scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with otosclerosis who have progressed to profound hearing loss derive significant benefit from cochlear implants; however, an increased risk of cochlear ossification and facial nerve stimulation has to be taken in account during preoperative counseling. The advance in imaging techniques, CI technology and the possibility to stimulate precise regions of the cochlea with lower intensities make it possible for the surgeons and audiologists to readily and successfully manage these complications as they arise.
authors.affiliation: The Otorhinolaryngology Clinic G. Lugli, Otologic and Neurotologic Surgery, Department of Ophtalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Quaranta
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bartoli
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lopriore
authors.forename: Anna Lo
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Priore
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Vega
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giagnotti
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Quaranta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D003638:Deafness / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013063:Speech Discrimination Tests; D013067:Speech Perception; D016896:Treatment Outcome