Experience of cochlear implantation in patients with chronic otitis media

Patients with profound hearing loss and chronic otitis media are promising candidates for cochlear implantation, but they require meticulous attention from the specialists monitoring them. Recently, chronic otitis media was considered as a contraindication for cochlear implantation due to the risk of developing a number of complications. Despite these potential problems, performing CI is the only solution to help patients with chronic otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss IV. There are various methods for managing the above-mentioned group of patients. Some authors describe performance of CI with middle ear surgery in one stage, while other authors - in several stages. The issue of cochlear implantation in patients suffering from chronic suppurative otitis media always arouse discussion among otosurgeons. The purpose of the study was to share the experience of cochlear implantation in patients with chronic otitis media. The materials and methods in this article are the clinical cases of 10 patients with chronic otitis media, who underwent middle ear surgery and cochlear implantation. Conclusions. One-stage CI and middle ear surgery can be considered as a technique that enhances auditory and speech rehabilitation of patients with sensorineural hearing loss IV and chronic otitis media, which is especially important for patients with acquired inner ear pathology and the risk of ossification of the cochlea spiral canal.