Cochlear implantation outcomes in advanced otosclerosis

IntroductionSeveral studies support the use of cochlear implants (CI) in far-advanced otosclerosis (FAO).Material and methodsWe compared our results of CI in patients with FAO and unknown origin hearing loss (UOHL) and our incidence of facial electrical stimulation and difficult insertion of the electrode bundle up to 3 to 5 years from surgery.ResultsWe found 17 patients with CI in FAO and UOHL. FAO patients achieved better results on the pure tone average (PTA) and recognition of monosyllables by GEE test (p = 0.022; p = 0.006), and particularly at 1 year on the PTA (p = 0.002), at 6 months and a year in monosyllables (p = 0.002; p = 0.001), and at 6 months in disyllables (p = 0.004). There were no differences toward complications.ConclusionIn our experience, placement of CI in FAO has proven successful, with results comparable to other similar cohorts, and with low complications.