Implantation of the Ossified Cochlea

Cochlear ossification was once considered a contraindication to cochlear implantation. It was assumed that even if the implant could be safely placed, any surviving neural elements would be too severely affected for adequate electrical stimulation. It is now known that patients with ossified cochleas benefit from implantation and, in cases of partial ossification, many perform as well as patients with patent cochleas. Newer and effective techniques are available to allow for implantation of even obliterated cochleas.