Surgical Techniques in Partial Deafness Treatment

Background To maximise the success of cochlear implantation, optimal placement of the electrodes inside the cochlea is required. Hearing preservation also means that intracochlear spaces must be approached in a way that avoids traumatising inner ear structures. Material and Methods In order to examine this issue a literature search was performed targeting articles on surgical techniques used in partial deafness cochlear implantation. The aim was to evaluate the advantages and shortcomings of each technique. Results In cochlear implantation two main approaches to the middle ear have been described: mastoidectomy/posterior tympanostomy and suprameatal. Two approaches to the inner ear are in use: cochleostomy and round window. Conclusions From temporal bone studies and clinical work some general conclusion can be drawn: straight arrays should use round window insertion, and precurved arrays should use cochleostomy