Cochlear implantation in otosclerosis: Functional, technical, radiological and surgical aspects

Introduction:

Otosclerosis is a disease of the otic capsule and stapes footplate. Due to the remodeling processes, both bony excess and dissolution of the bony labyrinth capsule can occur. If deafness occurs as a result of disease progression or stapes plastic surgery, this can seriously complicate the cochlear implantation and the correct positioning of the electrode and reduce its functional outcome

Objective:

To evaluate the functional, technical, radiological and surgical aspects of this patient group compared to a standard collective, a retrospective study was performed.

Methods:

From 44 patients with confirmed otosclerosis, who were treated with a CI type Nucleus 512 and CI24RE between 2009 and 2015, the Freiburg monosyllable, HSM test as well as the impedances were evaluated at defined time points after implantation (Initial fitting and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after) and compared to a control group of 550 patients with the same electrode. Furthermore, the radiological properties of the temporal bone pre-operatively or the inserted electrode postoperatively and the proportion of deactivation of at least one electrode and the phenomenon of facial stimulation were compared with the control group.

Results:

With regard to the functional outcome (Freiburg monosyllable and HSM test), there was no significant difference between the two groups. No statistically significant correlation was found between the increased impedances and the performance (Freiburg monosyllable) in the otosclerosis patients at the different time points. During the fittings, at least one electrode was deactivated in 36% of patients with otosclerosis compared to 30% in the control group. The phenomenon of facial stimulation was present in 25% of patients with otosclerosis versus 10% in the control group.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)