Cochlear implantation in otosclerosis.
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.
Quaranta
Nicola
N
The Otorhinolaryngology Clinic G. Lugli, Otologic and Neurotologic Surgery, Department of Ophtalmology and Otorhinolaryngology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Bartoli
Roberto
R
Lopriore
Anna
A
Priore
Anna Lo
AL
Fernandez-Vega
Susana
S
Giagnotti
Francesca
F
Quaranta
Antonio
A
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