title: Simultaneous cochlear implantation and labyrinthectomy for advanced Ménière's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with Ménière's disease can develop unaidable sensorineural hearing loss. Cochlear implantation has recently been utilised in this group with favourable results. A more challenging group are those with intractable vertigo, and they have traditionally posed a significant management dilemma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two female patients with unaidable hearing and recurrent incapacitating vertigo attacks despite conservative management underwent simultaneous labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation. There was complete resolution of vertigo in both patients. Speech perception in quiet conditions and the ability to hear in background noise improved considerably.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical labyrinthectomy is effective for the elimination of vertigo in Ménière's disease patients. The major disadvantage in the past was loss of residual hearing. Cochlear implantation is now an option in these patients. The benefits of simultaneous labyrinthectomy with cochlear implantation include the prevention of implantation of a fibrosed or ossified cochlea, a decrease in the duration of deafness, and a single operative procedure.
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital,Perth,Australia.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Heywood
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital,Perth,Australia.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Atlas
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged
keywords: Cochlear Implants; Hearing Loss; Ménière Disease; Vertigo