Cochlear implantation in neurofibromatosis type 2 after radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the results of cochlear implantation in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) who have previously been treated with radiation therapy to the vestibular schwannoma (VS) in their only hearing ear.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the Melbourne Cochlear implant database was undertaken to identify patients with NF2 undergoing cochlear implantation in whom previous radiation therapy had been performed to control their VS (ipsilateral tumor). Three patients were identified. A case note review was undertaken and data collected on preoperative and postoperative speech perception testing.


METHODS
Melbourne Cochlear implant center.


RESULTS
All 3 patients were daily cochlear implant users. There was improvement in speech perception scores in 2 cases, with the 3rd case unable, for unrelated medical reasons, to complete postoperative testing. Subjectively, the third patient reported a dramatic improvement in communication and is a daily user of his implant.


CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear implantation results in improved hearing in a select group of NF2 patients who have undergone radiation treatment to control their VS.
Trotter
Matthew I
MI
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Briggs
Robert J S
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003142:Communication; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008085:Lipreading; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016518:Neurofibromatosis 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D016634:Radiosurgery; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013067:Speech Perception; D016896:Treatment Outcome