Abstract:ObjectiveTo analyze the surgical efficacy of cochlear implantation in patients with inner ear malformations.MethodsClinical data of 30 patients with inner ear malformations underwent cochlear implantation in our department from Jan. 2011 to July 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The involved inner ear malformations included large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS, n=8), Mondini deformity (incompletely separated typeⅡ,n=7), LVAS combined with Mondini deformity (n=10), and internal auditory canal stenosis (n=5). 30 implantees with a normal inner ear structure were randomly selected as control. The evaluation was performed using the categories of auditory performance (CAP) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR). The preoperative hearing, intraoperative condition and postoperative hearing and speech rehabilitation outcomes of the two groups were compared. ResultsAll the patients in both groups obtained meaningful auditory reaction after cochlear implantation. Intraoperative perilymph fluid gushing occurred at different levels in 3 cases with LVAS, and cerebrospinal fluid gusher in one with Mondini deformity. The indifference of postoperative hearing and speech rehabilitation outcomes between the two groups were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). In both groups, hearing and speech rehabilitation outcomes at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after operation were obviously improved compared with the preoperative ones (all P<0.05). ConclusionsThe inner ear malformations are not absolute contraindications for cochlear implantation. There are no significant differences in hearing and speech rehabilitation outcomes between the patients with normal and abnormal inner ear structures. However, the inner ear malformations increase the difficulty of operation. Selection of a proper surgical procedure according to the type of the inner ear malformation can reduce the incidence of complications.
