BACKGROUND: Previous studies have focused either on unselected case series or on populations with mixed cochlear malformations. PS/NSEVA accounts for up to 10% of congenital SNHL, rendering this a large group of cochlear implant candidates. The abnormal inner ear anatomy of these patients may be associated with a lower surgical success rate and a higher rate of complications.
METHODS: Retrospective review of patients\' medical records and CT/MRI.
METHODS: Tertiary referral center.
METHODS: The medical records and CT/MRI images of 55 PS/NSEVA patients receiving 80 cochlear implantations from 1982-2014 were reviewed. Demographic data, surgical results, intra-operative incidents, and post-operative complications were retrieved.
RESULTS: Complications occurred in 36% of implantations; 5% hereof major complications. Gushing/oozing from the cochleostoma occurred in 10% of implantations and was related to transient, but not prolonged post-operative vertigo.
CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative risks of gushing/oozing and post-operative vertigo are the primary clinical issues in PS/NSEVA patients regarding CI. Nonetheless, the surgical success rate is high and the major complication rate is low; similar to studies of unselected series of CI recipients.