[Cochlear implants in children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical experiences with multi-channel cochlear implantation in the children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct.

Method: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct and received multi-channel cochlear implantation at Beijing Tongren Hospital. A cochleostomy was performed for all patients by a standard facial recess approach to anterior inferior to the round window niche.

Results: (1) Most of the electrodes were totally inserted in the cochlear, and gusher appeared in 6 implantations. (2) No serious complications occurred after implantation. (3) All patients have auditory sensations after implantations. (4) The hearing threshold in this series were similar to that of the normal cochlear implantation (the average threshold was 30 dB). (5) The rehabilitation concept was developed by Rehabilitation Research Center for Deaf Children in Beijing and Beijing Tongren Hospital. The training sessions included sound detection, word discrimination, auditory comprehension and spoken language skill development. The abilities of speech discrimination and spoken language were improved comparing with that of pre-operation. Two of the patients could go to the normal school after implantations.

Conclusion: The outcome of hearing rehabilitation for children with enlargement of vestibular aqueduct were similar to those children with "normal" cochlear structure followed the multi-channel cochlear implantation.