ABSTRACT
The most common complications of cochlear implantation are flap necrosis, compressed or improperly placed electrodes, and facial nerve injury, paresis, or stimulation. We report on three recent complications experienced at our institution: 1) a flap ischemia and partial-thickness necrosis without infection or device exposure, 2) facial nerve stimulation, which was managed with a new programming technique, and 3) a postimplant cholesteatoma in a patient with chronic eustachian tube dysfunction that required reoperation and explanation. We discuss the pathophysiology, likely etiology, and recommendations for management of these complications.
Subject(s)
Cochlear Implantation/adverse effects , Aged , Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear/diagnosis , Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear/etiology , Facial Nerve , Female , Humans , Ischemia/diagnosis , Ischemia/etiology , Middle Aged , Necrosis , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Surgical Flaps/blood supply , Surgical Flaps/pathologyABSTRACT
A pilot study was conducted to measure the acoustic change provided by a prosthetic ear and to determine whether this change is functionally significant. Four subjects with acquired loss of the ear were tested. Objective data confirmed that the prosthesis provided acoustic gain. This gain may be significant only for individuals with a preexisting hearing loss.
