Delayed bone formation over the cochlear implant receptor requiring explantation: a case report

Cochlear implants (CIs) are an established treatment for the rehabilitation of profound sensorineural hearing loss. Although overall complication rates are low, postoperative infections and wound complications may require revision surgery or device explantation. A 27-year-old Black male with profound bilateral hearing loss since infancy underwent right cochlear implantation in 2013. Following head trauma in 2022, the patient developed magnet-related issues and subsequently experienced recurrent inflammation and purulent discharge at the implant site. He remained a non-user of the device for approximately two years. Due to persistent local infection and absence of auditory benefit, partial removal of the internal implant was performed. Delayed bone overgrowth around and over a CI receiver is a rare but important late complication that can lead to infection, skin breakdown, and device dysfunction. This case underscores the need for long-term follow-up and early surgical intervention when unexplained symptoms or implant failure occur.