Cochlea Implantation in Otosclerosis: Functional, Technical, Radiological and Surgical Aspects

Otosclerosis (OS) is a primary disease of the otic capsule and the stapes footplate. Due to the remodeling processes, there may be both excess bony and dissolution of the bony labyrinth capsule. If numbness occurs as the disease progresses or after stapesplasty, this can make cochlear implantation and correct electrode positioning very difficult and reduce the functional outcome.

In order to be able to assess the functional, technical, radiological and surgical aspects in this patient group in comparison to a standard collective, a retrospective study was carried out.

From 44 patients with OS who were treated with a CI type Nucleus 512 and CI24RE (Cochlear Ltd.) between 2009 and 2015, Freiburg monosyllables, numbers, HSM test and the impedances at defined times after the implantation were evaluated and included compared to a comparison group. Furthermore, the percentage of deactivation of at least one electrode and the phenomenon of facial stimulation were compared with the standard collective.

In the OS group, increased impedances were measured at all times compared to the standard group. Regarding the functional outcome and the level of the impedances and the performance (Freiburg monosyllabic) in the OS patients at the different times, no significant difference was found. During the adjustments, at least one electrode was deactivated in 36 %  of patients with OS compared to 30 %  in the control group. The phenomenon of facial nerve stimulation was present in 25 %  of the patients with OS versus 3 %  in the control group.

Cochlear implantation is an effective option for hearing rehabilitation in patients with corresponding hearing loss.

Poster-PDF A-1704.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021