Complications related to cochlear implants: experience in Tehran

Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective treatment for profound deaf patients. To study the cochlear implant complications in patients at Amir Aalam Hospital. The study population involved 177 profoundly deaf patients, implanted within the same cochlear implant center. Twenty-four (13.6%) patients experienced complications. Early complications accrued in 9 (37.7%) patients within the first 24 hours. Eight (4.5%) patients had major complications including facial nerve paralysis, suture rupture and prosthesis rejection. Prosthesis rejection 6 (30%) was the most frequent major complication. Minor complications were found in 16 (9%) cases which were managed medically. Older age with CI was correlated with higher major complications. In contrast to minor complications, the frequency of major complications in this cohort was higher than that published by other groups.