Intra-Cochlear Electrode Position Impacts the Preservation of Residual Hearing in an Animal Model of Cochlear Implant Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Preservation of residual hearing after cochlear implantation remains challenging. There are several approaches to preserve residual hearing, but the configuration of the implant electrode array seems to play a major role. Lateral wall electrode arrays are seemingly more favorable in this context. To date, there are no experimental data available which correlate the spatial electrode position in the scala tympani with the extent of hearing preservation. METHODS: Based on micro-computed tomography (µCT) imaging data, this study analyses the exact position of a pure silicone electrode array inserted into the cochlea of four guinea pigs. Array position data were correlated with the extent of hearing loss after implantation, measured using auditory brainstem measurements in the frequency range of the area occupied by the electrode array area as well as apical to the array. RESULTS: The use of pure silicone arrays without electrodes resulted in artifact-free, high-resolution µCT images that allowed precise determination of the arrays' positions within the scala tympani. The electrode arrays' locations ranged from peri-modiolar to an anti-modiolar. These revealed a correlation of a lower postoperative hearing loss with a higher spatial proximity to the lateral wall. This correlation was found in the low-frequency range only. A significant correlation between the inter-individual differences in the diameter of the scala tympani and the postoperative hearing loss could not be observed. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of the intra-cochlear electrode array's position for the preservation of residual hearing. The advantage of such an electrode array's position approximated to the lateral wall suggests, at least for this type of electrode array applied in the guinea pig, it would be advantageous in the preservation of residual hearing for the apical part of the cochlea, beyond the area occupied by the electrode array.

Recent advances in Otology: Current landscape and future direction.

Hearing is an essential sensation, and its deterioration leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life. Thus, great efforts have been made by otologists to preserve and recover hearing. Our knowledge regarding the field of otology has progressed with advances in technology, and otologists have sought to develop novel approaches in the field of otologic surgery to achieve higher hearing recovery or preservation rates. This requires knowledge regarding the anatomy of the temporal bone and the physiology of hearing. Basic research in the field of otology has progressed with advances in molecular biology and genetics. This review summarizes the current views and recent advances in the field of otology and otologic surgery, especially from the viewpoint of young Japanese clinician-scientists, and presents the perspectives and future directions for several topics in the field of otology. This review will aid next-generation researchers in understanding the recent advances and future challenges in the field of otology.

Occlusion of the Lateral Semicircular Canal, Endolymphatic Sac Surgery, and Cochlear Implantation: A Low Destructive Treatment for Unilateral Ménière's Disease and Deafness.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of Ménière's disease (MD) and deafness aims to treat vertigo and hearing disabilities. Current treatment options like labyrinthectomy and cochlear implantation (CI) have shown acceptable results but are destructive. Less destructive procedures, like the occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal and endolymphatic sac surgery, have been shown to be successful in vertigo control. The combination of both procedures with CI has not been investigated; therefore the objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of this combination in patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 10 patients with single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss were included. In all of them, a single-staged surgery, which consisted of CI, endolymphatic sac surgery, and occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, was performed. The surgery was performed after a failed conservative therapy trial. The clinical outcome was evaluated by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and audiological tests. These were assessed preoperatively, 3 and 6 months after surgery. An MRI with a hydrops sequence was performed to support the clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: After the combined surgery, the mean DHI testing improved significantly from 71 to 30. Mean audiological monosyllabic speech testing outcome with the cochlea implant was 65% at 65 dB. The residual hearing of 2 patients could be preserved after the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: The combination of occlusion of the lateral semicircular canal, endolymphatic sac surgery, and CI is an efficient low traumatic treatment for patients with a single-sided MD and moderately severe to complete sensorineural hearing loss.

Effects of noise and noise reduction on audiovisual speech perception in cochlear implant users: An ERP study.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing with a cochlear implant (CI) is difficult in noisy environments, but the use of noise reduction algorithms, specifically ForwardFocus, can improve speech intelligibility. The current event-related potentials (ERP) study examined the electrophysiological correlates of this perceptual improvement. METHODS: Ten bimodal CI users performed a syllable-identification task in auditory and audiovisual conditions, with syllables presented from the front and stationary noise presented from the sides. Brainstorm was used for spatio-temporal evaluation of ERPs. RESULTS: CI users revealed an audiovisual benefit as reflected by shorter response times and greater activation in temporal and occipital regions at P2 latency. However, in auditory and audiovisual conditions, background noise hampered speech processing, leading to longer response times and delayed auditory-cortex-activation at N1 latency. Nevertheless, activating ForwardFocus resulted in shorter response times, reduced listening effort and enhanced superior-frontal-cortex-activation at P2 latency, particularly in audiovisual conditions. CONCLUSIONS: ForwardFocus enhances speech intelligibility in audiovisual speech conditions by potentially allowing the reallocation of attentional resources to relevant auditory speech cues. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows for CI users that background noise and ForwardFocus differentially affect spatio-temporal cortical response patterns, both in auditory and audiovisual speech conditions.

Endolymphatic Hydrops Magnet Resonance Imaging in Ménière's Disease Patients after Cochlea Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implantation in patients with Ménière's disease (MD) is the treatment of choice in cases of functional deafness. Additional vertigo control is of central importance in this group of patients. Endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) is the pathophysiological correlate of MD and can be evaluated by magnet resonance imaging (MRI). Bilateral MD occurs in 10-33% and can be the reason for a postoperative persisting or newly occurring vertigo in this group. Recent developments in the field of implant magnets and experience in MRI sequences allow the diagnostic performance of MRI in cochlear implantees to be evaluated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of MRI as a visual diagnostic tool for endolymphatic hydrops in cochlear implantees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study including three cochlear implantees (age: 61-76 years, one female, two male) suffering from MD who, postoperatively, had a recurrence of vertigo with Ménière's-like symptoms. An MRI was performed for the evaluation of ELH (ELH-MRI). MRI observation was performed by a 4 h iv. delayed Gad 3 D Flair sequence. RESULTS: In all cases, the ipsilateral implant magnet artifact covered the vestibulum, the semicircular canals and the cochlea. The contralateral vestibulum, the semicircular canal and the cochlea were fully observable, and a classification of the ELH-MRI could be performed. CONCLUSION: ELH-MRI scanning allows for the detection of contralateral labyrinthine endolymphatic hydrops and is a tool for the postoperative evaluation of vertigo in cochlear implantees.

Effects of Therapeutic Hypothermia on Macrophages in Mouse Cochlea Explants.

Globally, over the next few decades, more than 2.5 billion people will suffer from hearing impairment, including profound hearing loss, and millions could potentially benefit from a cochlea implant. To date, several studies have focused on tissue trauma caused by cochlea implantation. The direct immune reaction in the inner ear after an implantation has not been well studied. Recently, therapeutic hypothermia has been found to positively influence the inflammatory reaction caused by electrode insertion trauma. The present study aimed to evaluate the hypothermic effect on the structure, numbers, function and reactivity of macrophages and microglial cells. Therefore, the distribution and activated forms of macrophages in the cochlea were evaluated in an electrode insertion trauma cochlea culture model in normothermic and mild hypothermic conditions. In 10-day-old mouse cochleae, artificial electrode insertion trauma was inflicted, and then they were cultured for 24 h at 37 °C and 32 °C. The influence of mild hypothermia on macrophages was evaluated using immunostaining of cryosections using antibodies against IBA1, F4/80, CD45 and CD163. A clear influence of mild hypothermia on the distribution of activated and non-activated forms of macrophages and monocytes in the inner ear was observed. Furthermore, these cells were located in the mesenchymal tissue in and around the cochlea, and the activated forms were found in and around the spiral ganglion tissue at 37 °C. Our findings suggest that mild hypothermic treatment has a beneficial effect on immune system activation after electrode insertion trauma.

Prospective Evaluation of 3 T MRI Effect on Residual Hearing Function of Cochlea Implantees.

INTRODUCTION: The approval process for MRI safety of implants includes physical observations and an experimental evaluation in artificial settings to simulate the in vivo effect. This contains the observation of temperature changes and artificial current generation by the magnetic field. From these findings, the safety of an implant and its effect on the patient can be estimated. MRI safety is based on an in vivo evaluation of adverse events after the approval process, but an actual analysis of the effect on different tissues is not followed. The effect of MRI scanning in cochlea implantees on their residual hearing as the correlate of the hair cell function is so far unknown, therefore the aim of the present study was to observe the effect of 3 T MRI on the residual hearing of cochlea implantees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we performed a 3 T MRI T2 2D MS Drive sequence in eight cochlea-implanted ears. Before and after the MRI scan, a bone conduction pure tone audiogram (BC PTA) was performed. All cochlea implantees had a pre-scanning threshold of low frequency residual hearing between 20 dB and 65 dB. RESULTS: Low frequency mean residual hearing was not affected by the 3 T T2 2D MS Drive sequence. We observed a pre-scanning threshold at 250 Hz of 42.9 (SD 3.9) dB and for 500 Hz 57.1 (SD 6.4) dB. Post-scanning BC PTA was for 250 Hz 42.1 (SD 3.9) dB and for 500 Hz 57.1 (SD 5.7) dB. CONCLUSION: 3 T MRI scanning has no significant functional effect on the hair cells in cochlea implantees in low frequencies with a T2 2D MS Drive sequence.

New hybrid multiplanar cone beam computed tomography-laser-fluoroscopic-guided approach in cochlear implant surgery.

PURPOSE: Cochlea implant surgery with proper positioning of the cochlear electrode can be challenging. Intraoperative real-time hybrid laser-fluoroscopic-guided navigation based on a multiplanar cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) dataset opens up the opportunity to immediate radiological control of primary electrode misalignments and offering new insights into the cochlea electrode insertion routes and favorable cochlear implant-insertion angle. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 50 cases (29 males, 18 females) of conventional electrode implantation (without intraoperative image control; group A) and nine cases (7 males, 2 females) of CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery (group B) were included in the present study. CBCT-laser-guided surgery under real-time fluoroscopic control was conducted using an intraoperative C-arm CBCT. All patients received preoperative cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI), in which cochlear malformation could be excluded. Postoperatively, we looked for electrode misplacements. RESULTS: In group A, electrode misalignment was detected postoperatively in 14 of 50 cases (28.0%). In group B, primary electrode misalignment was detected intraoperatively in two patients (22.2%). In both patients, the misalignments were corrected in the same session. The comparison of cochlear insertion angles showed significant differences. Group A: 47.5 ± 2.6° (actual conventional surgery) vs 17.6 ± 2.8° (theoretical CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery) P < 0.001. Group A vs group B: 47.5 ± 2.6° (actual conventional surgery; Group A) vs 17.9 ± 2.5° (actual CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-guided surgery; Group B) P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: We consider that an intraoperative hybrid CBCT-laser-fluoroscopic-controlled approach in cochlear implant surgery using a C-arm CT can be beneficial, because electrode misalignments can be reduced and if it does occur, remedied in the same surgical session.

New ultra-fast algorithm for cochlear implant misalignment detection.

PURPOSE: Postoperative imaging following cochlear implant (CI) placement is currently the only means of diagnosing proper electrode position. Manual multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) analysis of CT and CBCT is time-consuming and requires extensive training. This study aims to evaluate the rate of CI misalignment and to determine the amount of time necessary to reach a diagnosis of correct versus incorrect CI placement for readers of different experience levels, using a novel algorithm for image analysis (ACIR) compared to MPR analysis. METHOD: The retrospective single centre study included 333 patients with cochlear implant surgery between May 2002 and May 2021. Postoperative CT and CBCT images were evaluated in three subgroups and the time to diagnosis was documented. Group 1: image evaluation using conventional MPR analysis; group 2: image evaluation by an experienced neuroradiologist via a novel ultra-fast algorithm; group 3: image evaluation by a young specialist via novel ultra-fast algorithm. T-test and Pearson's chi-squared test were used for inter-group comparisons. RESULTS: 333 patients (63.3 ± 15.9 years; 188 men) with 335 CIs were evaluated. The rate of CI misalignment diagnosed from 3D imaging was 14.3% (n = 48). MPR analysis required 255.7 ± 70.4 s per temporal bone, whereas Slicer plugin reduced analysis time to 83.3 ± 7.7 s (p < 0.001) for the experienced reader and 89.6 ± 8.7 s for the young specialist (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D postoperative imaging reveals high incidences of CI misalignment. Application of a novel ultra-fast algorithm significantly reduces the time for diagnosis compared to MPR analysis for readers of varying experience levels.

Development of Neuronal Guidance Fibers for Stimulating Electrodes: Basic Construction and Delivery of a Growth Factor.

State-of-the-art treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is based on electrical stimulation of residual spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) with cochlear implants (CIs). Due to the anatomical gap between the electrode contacts of the CI and the residual afferent fibers of the SGNs, spatial spreading of the stimulation signal hampers focused neuronal stimulation. Also, the efficiency of a CI is limited because SGNs degenerate over time due to loss of trophic support. A promising option to close the anatomical gap is to install fibers as artificial nerve guidance structures on the surface of the implant and install on these fibers drug delivery systems releasing neuroprotective agents. Here, we describe the first steps in this direction. In the present study, suture yarns made of biodegradable polymers (polyglycolide/poly-ε-caprolactone) serve as the basic fiber material. In addition to the unmodified fiber, also fibers modified with amine groups were employed. Cell culture investigations with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts attested good cytocompatibility to both types of fibers. The fibers were then coated with the extracellular matrix component heparan sulfate (HS) as a biomimetic of the extracellular matrix. HS is known to bind, stabilize, modulate, and sustainably release growth factors. Here, we loaded the HS-carrying fibers with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is known to act neuroprotectively. Release of this neurotrophic factor from the fibers was followed over a period of 110 days. Cell culture investigations with spiral ganglion cells, using the supernatants from the release studies, showed that the BDNF delivered from the fibers drastically increased the survival rate of SGNs in vitro. Thus, biodegradable polymer fibers with attached HS and loaded with BDNF are suitable for the protection and support of SGNs. Moreover, they present a promising base material for the further development towards a future neuronal guiding scaffold.

Distinct multisensory perceptual processes guide enhanced auditory recognition memory in older cochlear implant users.

In naturalistic situations, sounds are often perceived in conjunction with matching visual impressions. For example, we see and hear the neighbor's dog barking in the garden. Still, there is a good chance that we recognize the neighbor's dog even when we only hear it barking, but do not see it behind the fence. Previous studies with normal-hearing (NH) listeners have shown that the audio-visual presentation of a perceptual object (like an animal) increases the probability to recognize this object later on, even if the repeated presentation of this object occurs in a purely auditory condition. In patients with a cochlear implant (CI), however, the electrical hearing of sounds is impoverished, and the ability to recognize perceptual objects in auditory conditions is significantly limited. It is currently not well understood whether CI users - as NH listeners - show a multisensory facilitation for auditory recognition. The present study used event-related potentials (ERPs) and a continuous recognition paradigm with auditory and audio-visual stimuli to test the prediction that CI users show a benefit from audio-visual perception. Indeed, the congruent audio-visual context resulted in an improved recognition ability of objects in an auditory-only condition, both in the NH listeners and the CI users. The ERPs revealed a group-specific pattern of voltage topographies and correlations between these ERP maps and the auditory recognition ability, indicating a different processing of congruent audio-visual stimuli in CI users when compared to NH listeners. Taken together, our results point to distinct cortical processing of naturalistic audio-visual objects in CI users and NH listeners, which however allows both groups to improve the recognition ability of these objects in a purely auditory context. Our findings are of relevance for future clinical research since audio-visual perception might also improve the auditory rehabilitation after cochlear implantation.

Taste-strip gustometry in cochlear implanted patients.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the gustatory function in a large cohort of cochlear implanted patients using lateralized taste-strip tests. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and seven unilaterally or bilaterally profoundly hearing impaired or deaf patients who received cochlear implants (n = 113) were included in this study. Data on gustometry, subjective gustatory dysfunction, and the detailed surgical procedure were acquired retrospectively. Gustatory function, assessed using lateralized taste-strip tests, was performed the day before, 3 days after cochlear implantation, and on the day of the initial CI adjustment (39 days ±7.3 SD). RESULTS: Averaged taste-strip scores of the cohort declined significantly from preoperatively 12.3 [11.8; 12.7] (mean [95% confidence intervals]) to 10.5 [9.7; 11.2] on the implanted side about 6 weeks after surgery. Patients with intraoperatively exposed and rerouted, or a severed, chorda tympani nerve (CTN) showed significantly reduced unilateral postoperative scores (10.1 [8.8; 11.4] and 9.3 [8.1; 10.5], respectively), when compared to not exposing or to leaving a bony layer over the CTN. Total taste-strip test scores showed a significant decline 6 weeks postoperatively in CI-patients expressing a subjective gustatory dysfunction (from 23.6 [21.4; 25.8] to 17.5 [14.2; 20.8]), as opposed to patients with a documented subjectively normal taste. CONCLUSION: We consider postoperative gustatory dysfunction as a relevant side effect post cochlear implantation, at least within the first month. Taste-strip based gustometry is a suitable diagnostic tool to assess taste function in CI patients and is recommended to be performed routinely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, retrospective, nonrandomized follow-up study.

Stapedius reflex evoked in free sound field in cochlear implant users compared to normal-hearing listeners.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between stapedius reflex thresholds in cochlear implant users evoked once through direct electric stimulation on single channels (ESRT) and once through acoustic stimulation in free sound field. For comparison, stapedius reflex thresholds were obtained in free sound field in a normal-hearing control group. DESIGN: For each participant a new ESRT-based fitting was created. Stapedius reflex thresholds were obtained for this new fitting in free sound field for different loudness adjustments. Acoustic stimuli for eliciting the stapedius reflex were narrow band noise signals covering the audiometric frequency range. STUDY SAMPLE: N = 29 experienced CI users (34 ears) and N = 10 normal hearing listeners. RESULTS: ESRT-based fitting resulted in different stapedius reflex behaviour compared to normal-hearing listeners. A frequency dependence was observed. Stapedius reflex thresholds decreased with increasing centre frequencies of acoustic narrow band noise stimuli. A linear relation between upper stimulation levels on the implant channels and corresponding stapedius reflex thresholds evoked in free sound field was found. CONCLUSION: The found correlation may be a guideline for adjusting the electrical dynamic range during cochlear implant fitting. This allows the implant system to mimic the natural reflex behaviour in the best possible way and potentially avoid overstimulation.

Intraoperatives Tip-Foldover-Screening mittels Spread of Excitation Messungen.

BACKGROUND: In rare cases, a cochlear implantation can lead to a so-called tip fold-over during insertion of the electrode array. In order to detect or exclude such a misalignment a radiological check of the cochlear implant (CI) electrode array is carried out intra- or often post-operatively (gold standard), thereby exposing the patient to additional radiation. Alternatively, successful electrode insertion can be verified by measuring the spread of excitation (SOE). However, interpretation of the test results requires considerable expertise, and standardized measurement protocols and reference values are also essential. Therefore, the aim of the study is to evaluate an automated screening procedure in order to obtain a reliable statement about the normal tonotopic position of the implanted CI electrode array intraoperatively and with as little effort as possible. METHODS: For CI surgery with Cochlear™ Nucleus® implants, an intraoperative tip-fold-over (TFO) screening was performed in a bi-centric study in over 100 adult patients: Firstly, threshold measurements for electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) using AutoNRT™ were recorded. Subsequently, SOE measurements were carried out on electrodes 13 and 22. The automated evaluation of the SOE data sets then made it possible to make a dichotomous decision about a normal or abnormal test result. The position of the electrode array was checked intra- or post-operatively using conventional transorbital X-ray (reference method). RESULTS: The intraoperative TFO screening procedure is applicable in around 80% of cases. The accuracy of the screening for measurements via the active stimulation electrodes 13 / 22 is 63.9% / 95.4%. The classification error is 36.1% / 4.6% and the phi coefficient is 0.27 / 0.69. All radiologically proven tip-fold-overs were reliably identified with the intraoperative screening (sensitivity = 100%). A higher specificity (>95%) can be achieved only with measurements via electrode 22. CONCLUSIONS: The TFO Screening via measurement at electrode 22 can successfully distinguish between a correct and incorrect position of the electrode array due to a tip-fold-over, and the remaining cases would require further imaging.

Round window accessibility during cochlear implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess data regarding round window (RW) visibility and surgical approaches in cochlear implant cases, and to describe and analyze surgical steps relevant for the RW approach in cochlear implantation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: A questionnaire was completed by surgeons after each of altogether 110 cochlear implantations. Round window membrane (RWM) visibility was graded according to the St Thomas Hospital (STH) classification. RESULTS: Performing different surgical steps during the preparation of the RW niche, the RWM could be fully exposed (STH Type I) in 87%. A RW approach could be used for electrode insertion in 89% of the adult and 78% of the pediatric cases. The distribution of RW types differed significantly between adults and children. Drilling of the superior bony lip was the surgical step most frequently needed in adult as well as pediatric cases to obtain optimal RW exposure. CONCLUSION: In children, optimized surgical exposure of the RW niche resulted in only 52% full RWM visibility; whereas in adults, this could be achieved in 87%. The facial nerve (FN) had to be exposed at the level of the posterior tympanotomy in more than 70% of pediatric cases with full RWM visibility; while in adult cases with 100% visibility, such specific exposure was necessary in only 33%. Thus, surgical preparation of the RW niche seems to be more demanding in children than in adults.

Bioinspired Multiresonant Acoustic Devices Based on Electrospun Piezoelectric Polymeric Nanofibers.

Cochlear hair cells are critical for the conversion of acoustic into electrical signals and their dysfunction is a primary cause of acquired hearing impairments, which worsen with aging. Piezoelectric materials can reproduce the acoustic-electrical transduction properties of the cochlea and represent promising candidates for future cochlear prostheses. The majority of piezoelectric hearing devices so far developed are based on thin films, which have not managed to simultaneously provide the desired flexibility, high sensitivity, wide frequency selectivity, and biocompatibility. To overcome these issues, we hypothesized that fibrous membranes made up of polymeric piezoelectric biocompatible nanofibers could be employed to mimic the function of the basilar membrane, by selectively vibrating in response to different frequencies of sound and transmitting the resulting electrical impulses to the vestibulocochlear nerve. In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) piezoelectric nanofiber-based acoustic circular sensors were designed and fabricated using the electrospinning technique. The performance of the sensors was investigated with particular focus on the identification of the resonance frequencies and acoustic-electrical conversion in fibrous membrane with different size and fiber orientation. The voltage output (1-17 mV) varied in the range of low resonance frequency (100-400 Hz) depending on the diameter of the macroscale sensors and alignment of the fibers. The devices developed can be regarded as a proof-of-concept demonstrating the possibility of using piezoelectric fibers to convert acoustic waves into electrical signals, through possible synergistic effects of piezoelectricity and triboelectricity. The study has paved the way for the development of self-powered nanofibrous implantable auditory sensors.

[Cochlear implantation with deep brain or occipital nerve stimulation : Case studies for parallel application]. / Cochleaimplantation gemeinsam mit tiefer Hirn- oder Okzipitalnervstimulation : Fallbeispiele zur parallelen Anwendung.

We were able to demonstrate that simultaneous treatment of a patient with a neuromodulation device for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) plus a cochlear implant is a possible treatment option, and that both systems are able to work within their specifications without interference from each other. A large patient population with indications for both systems could profit from this in the future.

Bilateral Deafness as a Complication of the Vaccination-A Case Report.

The vaccination has much profit for an infectious disease. On the other hand, there is little frequency, side effects may appear. It includes severe complication. We reported the case that resulted in bilateral acute profound hearing loss after mumps alone and measles and rubella (MR) vaccination. The case was a 5 years old girl. She inoculated mumps alone and MR vaccine. After 18days later, both sides profound hearing loss occurred in her. The hearing loss was not improved by the intravenous feeding of the steroid. Three months later, cochlea implantation was carried out to her right ear. She got hearing again. As for the hearing loss, mumps vaccine was considered as a cause from a latency period until the onset. The bilateral profound hearing loss that was a very rare complication was occurred by vaccination. The care of the hearing is important, but the mental care of an affected child and the parent is important, too.

Cochlear implant electrode sealing techniques and related intracochlear pressure changes.

BACKGROUND: The inserted cochlear implanted electrode is covered at the site of the round window or cochleostomy to prevent infections and leakage. In a surgically hearing preservational concept, low intracochlear pressure changes are of high importance. The aim of this study was to observe intracochlear pressure changes due to different sealing techniques in a cochlear model. METHODS: Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artifical cochlear model and the intracochlear pressure changes were recorded in parallel with a micro-pressure sensor positioned in the apical region of the cochlea model to follow the maximum amplitude of intracochlear pressure. Four different sealing conditions were compared: 1) overlay, 2) overlay with fascia pushed in, 3) donut-like fascia ring, 4) donut-like fascia ring pushed in. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of maximum amplitude of intracochlear pressure peak changes related to sealing procedure comparing the different techniques. While the lowest amplitude changes could be observed for the overlay technique (0.14 mmHg ± 0.06) the highest values could be observed for the donut-like pushed in technique (1.79 mmHg ± 0.69). CONCLUSION: Sealing the electrode inserted cochlea can lead to significant intracochlear pressure changes. Pushing in of the sealing tissue cannot be recommended.

[Cochlear implant treatment of patients with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss. German version]. / Cochleaimplantatversorgung bei einseitiger Taubheit oder asymmetrischem Hörverlust.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) or asymmetric hearing loss can be achieved with conventional (bilateral) contralateral routing of signals ((Bi)CROS) hearing aids ((Bi)CROS-HA, (Bi)CROS), bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS) or cochlear implants (CI). To date, only small case series have been published on treatment outcomes in SSD patients after CI surgery and there are only a few comparative studies evaluating rehabilitation outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide evidence of successful treatment of SSD and asymmetric hearing loss with a CI compared to the untreated monaural hearing condition and the BAHS and (Bi)CROS treatment options in a large number of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-centre study, 45 patients with SSD and 40 patients with asymmetric hearing loss were treated with a CI after careful evaluation for CI candidacy. Monaural speech comprehension in noise and localisation ability were examined with (Bi)CROS-HA and BAHS devices (on a test rod) both preoperatively and at 12 months after CI switch-on. At the same intervals, subjective evaluation of hearing ability was conducted using the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). RESULTS: This report presents the first evidence of successful binaural rehabilitation with CI in a relatively large patient cohort and the advantages over (Bi)CROS and BAHS in smaller subgroups, thus confirming the indication for CI treatment. Moreover, patients with long-term acquired deafness (>10 years) show a benefit from the CI comparable to that observed in patients with shorter-term deafness.