Clinical outcomes of scala vestibuli cochlear implantation in children with partial labyrinthine ossification.
CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implantation via the scala vestibuli is a viable approach in those with ossification in the scala tympani. With extended cochlear implant experience, there is no significant difference in the mapping parameters and auditory performance between those implanted via scala vestibuli and via scala tympani.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical outcomes of cochlear implantation via scala vestibuli.


METHODS
In a cohort follow-up study, 11 prelingually deafened children who received cochlear implantation between age 3 and 10 years through the scala vestibuli served as participants. The mapping parameters (i.e. comfortable level (C), threshold level (T), dynamic range) and auditory performance of each participant were evaluated following initial cochlear implant stimulation, then at 3 month intervals for 2 years, then semi-annually. The follow-up period lasted for 9 years 9 months on average, with a minimum of 8 years 3 months.


RESULTS
The clinical results of the mapping parameters and auditory performance of children implanted via the scala vestibuli were comparative to those who were implanted via the scala tympani. No balance problem was reported by any of these patients. One child exhibited residual low frequency hearing after implantation.
Lin
Yung-Song
YS
Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Medical University, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan city, 901 Chung Hwa Road, Yung Kan City, Tainan County, Taiwan, ROC. kingear.lin@msa.hinet.net
D000293:Adolescent; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000601:surgery*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010700:Phonetics; D054738:Scala Vestibuli / Q000601:surgery*; D013067:Speech Perception; D055815:Young Adult