Stability of residual hearing and cochlear implant function following multiple scuba dives: case report

Abstract

Objectives: There are limited data regarding the safety of cochlear implants during exposure to pressure changes associated with scuba and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. There are no data regarding the effects of barometric pressure changes on preserved low-frequency hearing after cochlear implantation. This case report evaluates the effect of barometric pressure changes on preserved low-frequency hearing after cochlear implantation. Patient: This is a case report of a patient who underwent successful cochlear implantation with postoperative preservation of residual low-frequency hearing. Interventions: 20 scuba dives up to depths of 92 feet (3.8 atmospheres absolute). Main outcome measures: Preservation of hearing and maintained integrity of the implant. Results: Audiometric testing both before and after scuba shows no change in hearing thresholds. The internal receiver-stimulator of the cochlear implant was unaffected by prolonged and repeated pressures up to approximately 3.8 atmospheres absolute. The patient had no adverse middle ear effects during or after the dives, and no evidence of inner ear barotrauma or decompression sickness as a result of the elevated pressures. Conclusions: This is the first report of preserved hearing after cochlear implantation being maintained following scuba diving, and corroborates previous literature showing that exposure to increased pressures with a cochlear implant in situ is safe without adverse effects on the implant hardware or software. Scuba diving appears safe not only with cochlear implants but also in patients with residual hearing.