The feasibility of cochlear implantation in early infancy.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the key image anatomical parameters that are relevant to cochlear implantation (CI) using temporal bone high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans and to identify age group differences in order to provide image anatomical support for early CI.

METHODS

The data of 346 temporal bone HRCTs of 173 children from 5 months to 18 years of age were retrospectively selected and reviewed. Parameters of the human temporal bone that are relevant to CI key surgical steps include mastoid thickness (MT), the facial recess width (FRW), and an angle representing the round window visibility. All measurements are performed on axial images.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the above morphological values by gender (p > 0,05). Two-sided FRW was not significantly different (p > 0,05), but MT and angle A were significantly different (p < 0,001). FRW and angle were independent of age (p > 0,05). However, MT had been found to exhibit postnatal development. The linear function of MT were calculated as y = 2463 × group(s) + 20,574 (p < 0,001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on preoperative imaging analysis at different ages, middle ear development was stable at 5 months of age, allowing early CI in infancy with severe to severe hearing loss at this age. These data must be considered exploratory and more extensive clinical studies are needed.