Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Far-Advanced Otosclerosis Who Had Previously Undergone Stapes Surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess the hearing outcomes in cochlear implant patients with far-advanced otosclerosis who had previously undergone stapes surgery. METHODS: We studied 17 implanted patients with far-advanced otosclerosis who had previously undergone stapes surgery. They comprised 15 women and 2 men, aged 37-73 years; the duration of hearing impairment was 9-42 years. Pure-tone audiometry (0.125-8 kHz) was performed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Free-field speech audiometry was conducted before and 12 months after surgery, and word recognition scores were assessed. RESULTS: Average preoperative hearing thresholds were 108 dB HL for air conduction and were at the limit of the audiometer for bone conduction. Word recognition scores before surgery averaged 7.4% (at 70 dB) and increased significantly to 66.2% about 12 months after surgery. Adverse surgical events were rare. CONCLUSION: Patients with far-advanced otosclerosis and who have previously undergone stapes surgery are likely to experience a deterioration in hearing and receive insufficient benefits from hearing aids. Cochlear implantation can improve their hearing and provide good speech understanding.