Hearing Rehabilitation after Lateral Skull Base Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The treatment of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss resulting from lateral skull base lesions involving the cochlear nerve remains a challenging problem. The resection of neoplasms in this area may result in damage to or removal of the cochlear nerve. The resulting hearing handicap can negatively impact a patient's quality of life. This paper analyzes the results of the bone-anchored cochlear stimulator (BAHA) in patients with lateral skull base lesions. Methods: The inpatient, outpatient, and surgical charts of 73 patients who underwent BAHA placement between September 2003 and October 2005 were reviewed. Patients whose hearing loss resulted from a vestibular schwannoma were selected, and the preoperative, postoperative, and audiometric data were analyzed. Results: There were 11 patients who underwent unilateral BAHA placement after vestibular schwannoma resection. There were 5 males and 6 females with an average age of 56 years. One patient had skin growth over the implant. There were no major wound complications, CSF leaks, abdominal fat graft infections, or implant extrusions. All patients expressed satisfaction with the device based on hearing questionnaires. Conclusions: The BAHA can be used to improve the hearing handicap in patients with deafness secondary to vestibular schwannoma. The device is well tolerated with a low complication rate and good patient satisfaction.