Author(s)
Mathieu Trudel, MD
Mathieu Côté, MD
Nicolas Rouleau, MOA
Carole Losier, MOA
Noémie Villemure-Poliquin, BS
Daniel Philippon, MD
Richard Bussières, MD
Affiliation(s)
Abstract:
Objectives: To compare scala vestibuli versus scala tympani cochlear implantation in terms of postoperative auditoryperformances and programming parameters in patients with severe scala tympani ossification.Study design: Retrospective case-control studySetting: Tertiary referral centerPatients: 97 pediatric and adult patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery since 2009. Three groups were formed:a scala vestibuli group, a scala tympani with ossification group, and a scala tympani without ossification group. Patientswere matched based on their age, gender, duration of deafness and side of implantation (ratio of 1:2:2).Interventions: Postoperative evaluation of auditory performances and programming parameters following intensivefunctional rehabilitation program completion.Main outcome measures: Multimedia Adaptive Test (MAT), Hearing in Noise Test (HINT SNR +10dB), electricalimpedances, neural responses treshold (NRT), C-level and T-level were compared between groups.Results: 19 patients underwent scala vestibuli cochlear implantation: 17 adults and 2 children. Auditory performanceswere similar between groups, although sentence recognition in both a quiet and a noisy environment were slightlyimproved in the scala vestibuli group (MAT = 76.6% vs. 69.2%; HINT SNR +10dB = 62.1% vs. 57.2%). Programmingparameters were also similar between groups and no statistically significant difference in electrical impedances, NRT, Cleveland T-level could be found.Conclusion: We present the largest series of patients with scala vestibuli cochlear implantation. This approach allowsoptimization of auditory performances, without having any deleterious effects on programming parameters. This viableand useful insertion route might be the primary surgical alternative when facing partial cochlear ossification.Define Professional Practice Gap and Educational Needs: Lack of contemporary knowledge regarding impacts of scalavestibuli cochear implantation on postoperative auditory performances and programming parameters in patients withsevere scala tympani ossification.Learning Objective: To describe postoperative auditory performances and programming parameters in patients withsevere scala tympani ossification implanted in the scala vestibule, and to compare these results with scala tympanicochlear implantation.Desired Result: Attendees will understand the potential clinical benefits and the surgical role of scala vestibuli cochlearimplantation in partially ossified cochleae.IRB or IACUC Approval: Exempt