Malformations in cochlear implant patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report on cochlear implantation in children with bony inner ear malformations.

PATIENTS: 30 children with bony inner ear malformations who have received cochlear implants.

INTERVENTIONS: High-resolution spiral computed tomography is used to identify malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect the presence of an acoustic nerve and determine the integrity of the auditory pathway and central nervous system structures. Both imaging techniques may be used intraoperatively, as well as facial nerve monitoring and electrical auditory brainstem response monitoring. Three-dimensional reconstructions are helpful in preoperative planning. Large vestibular aqueducts and vestibular malformations can be successfully managed.

RESULTS

Postoperative results have been encouraging, although children with malformations tend to occupy the lower third of rehabilitation results of all children with implants.