Management of electrode exposure after cochlear implantation.
BACKGROUND
Exposure of a cochlear implant electrode array in the middle ear or external auditory canal is an uncommon complication. We report a series of 7 patients with electrode array exposure, 5 of whom were managed without surgical intervention.


OBJECTIVE
To report the outcomes of patients with electrode array exposure after cochlear implantation.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Tertiary neurotology practice.


METHODS
Patients with cochlear implant electrode exposure in the middle ear or external auditory canal.


METHODS
Length of observation without deterioration of implant function and without complications.


RESULTS
Five patients were managed without revision surgery. One patient presented with a poorly functioning implant, but after reprogramming, the implant returned to its baseline performance. Four other patients required no reprogramming and were managed medically without deterioration of implant function. Follow-up time was between 2 and 6 years. There were no serious complications in any patient related to their cochlear implant.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful observation of patients with an exposed electrode array after cochlear implantation and a functioning implant seems to be a reasonable management option in select cases.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9035, USA.
Evan S
ES
Walgama
Brandon
B
Isaacson
J Walter
JW
Kutz
Peter S
PS
Roland
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003051:Cochlea / Q000601:surgery*; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies