Correlation between cochlear nerve size and cochlear implant rehabilitation in sensorineural hearing loss.

BACKGROUND

Cochlear implantation (CI) is a standard intervention for congenital severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, postoperative auditory and speech outcomes vary considerably across patients, and the developmental status of the cochlear nerve is considered a major determinant of rehabilitation efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the correlation between cochlear nerve cross-sectional area (CNCSA) and outcomes after cochlear implantation (CI).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 136 bilateral CI recipients, comparing auditory and speech rehabilitation results over 2 years postoperatively with bilateral CNCSA. Patients were grouped based on average CNCSA.

RESULTS

A significant positive correlation was observed between CNCSA and scores on the IT-MAIS, MUSS, CAP, and SIR at 2 years post-CI. Patients with bilateral CNCSA >0.87 mm2 had significantly better speech rehabilitation outcomes than those with one or both nerves below this threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

CNCSA is correlated with post-CI rehabilitation outcomes in patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss, and may serve as a predictor for auditory and speech rehabilitation success.