RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Recent developments in the field of electronic hearing prostheses have allowed for the introduction of auditory brainstem implants in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2. CASE REPORT: Bilateral electric stimulation from 2 sequentially placed auditory brainstem implants was applied in a 27-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 2. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present case support further application of bilateral electric stimulation from auditory brainstem implants for patients with neurofibromatosis type 2.
Asunto(s)
Implantes Auditivos de Tronco Encefálico , Terapia por Estimulación Eléctrica , Neurofibromatosis 2/terapia , Adulto , Audiometría , Neoplasias del Tronco Encefálico/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias del Tronco Encefálico/fisiopatología , Electrodos , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Neurofibromatosis 2/diagnóstico por imagen , Neurofibromatosis 2/fisiopatología , Sensación , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Neurofibromastosis type II (NF2) is a condition that may result in bilateral acoustic neuromas. The tumors and their removal may cause profound bilateral deafness. Because the auditory nerve is compromised, people with NF2 are unable to receive a cochlear implant to restore a sensation of hearing. Electrical stimulation of the auditory pathway can provide hearing in such people. This is possible by means of an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). This article focuses on the MED-EL high-rate multichannel ABI system. The system consists of the implanted and external components. Appropriate placement of the ABI is dependent on electrical auditory brainstem response testing performed intra-operatively. Data on a group of European patients implanted with the MED-EL ABI are presented. Results are promising and include some open-set speech ability.