[Cochlear implantation in the ossified cochlear].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the problems and describe clinical experiences associated with multichannel cochlear implantation in patients with cochlear ossification.


METHODS
Seven cochlear implant cases with bilateral cochlear ossification from 1996 to 2006 in Beijing Tongren Hospital were retrospectively reviewed, 4 of which were the consequence of meningitis. Three patients' cochlear were completely ossified, 1 patient's tympanic scala was completely ossified, 1 patient's cochlear was partially ossified, and 2 patients' cochlear were partially fibrotic. This article addressed the components of the preoperative evaluation, surgical decision-making, and specific techniques for cochlear implant array insertion in all kinds of ossified cochlea.


RESULTS
Gusher was found in 1 case but less serious than that with inner ear malformations. The electrodes were inserted in the cochleostomy in full length in 4 cases, 1 case gave up, and the cochlear implant array were partially inserted in the remains. No serious complications occurred after implantation. All patients had auditory sensations. The impedance of the electrodes, the T level, C level and the hearing threshold were slightly higher than that of the normal cochlear implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
The key influencing factor of ossified cochlear patients were the degree of the disease and whether the electrode implanted completely or not. So, the profound sensorineural hearing loss patients after meningitis should be paid more attention. Patients with ossified cochlear could be benefit from cochlear implantation.
Li
Yong-Xin
YX
Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital University of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China.
Lang
Shuang
S
Zhao
Xiao-Tian
XT
Zheng
Jun
J
Chen
Xue-Qing
XQ
Kong
Ying
Y
Liu
Bo
B
Liu
Sha
S
Mo
Ling-Yan
LY
Zhang
Hua
H
Han
De-Min
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult