Simultaneous cochlear implantation during resection of a cerebellopontine angle meningioma: case report

Abstract

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas commonly involve the internal auditory canal (IAC). We report a case of a 68-year-old lady with idiopathic profound bilateral deafness with a meningioma which was discovered on workup for cochlear implantation. We performed simultaneous excision of her CPA and IAC meningioma with insertion of a cochlear implant (CI). She regained functional hearing with marked improvement in quality of life. Intraoperative electrophysiological testing can be used to confirm preservation of the cochlear nerve enabling simultaneous implantation which is preferable for clinical and logistical reasons. This creates an option for hearing rehabilitation at the time of IAC/CPA tumour surgery in appropriate patients.

Keywords: Cerebellopontine angle; Cerebellopontine angle tumours; Cochlear implant; Hearing; Internal auditory canal; Meningioma; intraoperative cochlear nerve monitoring.