Paediatric cochlear implant durability: the Nottingham experience.
OBJECTIVE
To determine durability of cochlear implant devices in a large paediatric cohort.


METHODS
Retrospective review of database records of children consecutively implanted between 1989 and March 2002.


METHODS
The records of 363 children were studied. The review examined cases requiring explantation of the implant device for device failure with or without reimplantation.


RESULTS
15 failures were identified. The failure rates based on failures per number of implanted devices as well as cumulative user experience were 4.0% and 0.8% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
As implant programmes grow, so will the number of children requiring device explantation and reimplantation. This will have implications on implant programme development and resource allocation.
Conboy
P J
PJ
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK. ent@pconboy.co.uk
Gibbin
K P
KP