Cochlear implantation in patients with chronic otitis media

Abstract

Objective Patients with complications of otitis media present a significant challenge to safe cochlear implantation. We describe our experience of cochlear implantation in patients with chronic ear disease, and propose management principles according to the presenting status of the ear. Methods Cochlear implantations were performed as treatment for complications of otitis media in seven patients. They consisted of four patients with adhesive otitis media, two patients with an open cavity after surgery for otitis media and one patient with eosinophilic otitis media. The electrodes were inserted by an approach via the external auditory canal in patients with poor growth of the mastoid antrum or adhesion of the tympanum. For the patients with an open cavity, we created a posterior wall for the external auditory canal and perform the mastoid obliteration. Modified Rambo's technique with blind sac closure of the external auditory canal was performed for the case of eosinophilic otitis media as a single-stage procedure. Results The post-operative courses were good. However, a post-operative infection developed in one patient who had previously undergone radiation therapy following surgical excision of a cerebellar tumor. Conclusion Transcanal approach is effective in a poorly pneumatized mastoid or severe adhesive otitis media. A decision whether implantation as a single-stage or multiple stages depends on the condition of each cases. But there is a possibility of infection even if we selected a stage operation.