Cochlear implantation after labyrinthectomy

Abstract

Objective: The goal was to report a method used for intraoperative ear selection for cochlear implantation using electrical brainstem response. Initial patient response and the longer-term results of cochlear implantation after labyrinthectomy were compared.

Study design: This was a specific retrospective review of a single case of cochlear implantation after labyrinthectomy.

Setting: The study involved a tertiary referral center in both an ambulatory and a hospital setting.

Patient: The study involved a report of a single patient who was evaluated for a possible cochlear implant and successfully underwent cochlear implantation.

Interventions: A case study of a profoundly deaf individual is presented, including the diagnostic measures used to determine the candidacy for cochlear implantation, the ear selected, and the rehabilitation.

Main outcome measures: Both early (3 months) and later (14 months) postoperative results clearly demonstrate that a cochlear implant in a patient with a previous labyrinthectomy can be beneficial.

Results: The early and later results after cochlear implantation are compared in a single case study.

Conclusion: This case study demonstrates that there is improvement in sound awareness, speech recognition, and communication after cochlear implantation in a previously labyrinthectomized ear.