Cochlear implantation in children with inner ear malformations: report of two cases

Cochlear implantation of congenitally deaf children with inner ear malformations is gaining special interest. Although the number of the reported cases is increasing, the decision for implantation needs thorough investigation. Preoperative evaluation, surgical approach and postoperative follow-up can be challenging. Study design: A retrospective analysis of two cases with inner ear malformations. Patients: One patient was a 3-year-old-girl who had cochlear and cochleovestibular nerve aplasia on the left side and incomplete partition on the other side. The other patient was a 5-year-old-boy who had hypoplastic cochlea on both sides. Both of them also had vestibular anomalies. Cases were implanted by using multichannel cochlear implant. Results: No complications were encountered. Both patients responded to acoustic stimuli, and their speech perception skills were improved. After 10 months of cochlear implant use, their results seem encouraging. Conclusion: Except cochlear or cochleovestibular nerve agenesis, inner ear malformations cannot be accepted as a contraindication for cochlear implantation. Although there can be difficulties during the surgery or in the postoperative period, patients with inner ear malformations can also benefit from cochlear implantation. It is essential that all possible complications and postoperative performance should be discussed with the parents.