Labyrinthine ossificans and cochlear implants

Abstract

We report two clinical and five histopathological examples of labyrinthitis ossificans and discuss the possible cause of this condition. Diagnosis can be established by polytomography. The advent of the cochlear implant makes ossification of the cochlea (labyrinthitis ossificans) of more than academic interest, since it requires alteration of the insertion of an electrode into the scala tympani and minimizes the chances of successful stimulation. Hearing losses due to meningitis, advanced cochlear otosclerosis, and trauma are likely to be due to cochlear ossification. Therefore, it is important to rule out this condition by means of polytomography in individuals being considered for cochlear implant surgery.