Cochlear implantation in otosclerosis: comparison of impedances and speech perception versus standard collective

Introduction:

Otosclerosis is a primary disease of the otic capsule and stapes footplate. In addition to hypacusis, vestibular symptoms and tinnitus are common. The course of otosclerosis is highly variable and bilateral in 80% of cases. 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 cochlear implantation and correct positioning of the electrode and reduce its functional outcome. Furthermore, owing to the often more traumatic insertion and the underlying diseases, increased cochlear tissue growth/further ossification of the cochlea could be expected, which could influence the height of the impedances. We performed a retrospective study In order to assess the effectiveness of CI and the course of impedances in this group of patients compared with patients who had become deaf due to unknown reasons.

Materials and methods:

In 30 patients with confirmed otosclerosis, who were treated with a CI type nucleus 512 (Cochlear Ltd.) between 2009 and 2015, Freiburg monosyllables and numbers, HSM test as well as the impedances were evaluated before and at defined times after implantation (initial fitting and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months later) and compared to a collective matched in terms of age and duration of deafness.

Results:

These results will be presented and discussed with regard to possible pharmacological interventions during implantation in these patients.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)