A Case of Cochlear Implantation in a Child with Common Cavity Inner Ear Malformation

Kim, Lee Suk; Heo, Min Jung; Lee, Mi Young; Kim, Dong Hwan

Abstract

Encouraging results have been reported in implanted patients with cochlear malformations, but relevant information about results in the common cavity is not enough. This case study is to report postimplantation performance in a boy with common cavity inner ear malformation. The subject received a Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant at the age of 34 months. Radiological assessments using CT and MRI revealed bilateral common cavity deformities. Twelve electrodes were inserted premeditatedly, and eleven electrodes were active in his pseudomonopolar mode map. A wide pulse width needed to be used because the T level was high, and facial twitching was present at the higher C level. Speech perception and speech-language evaluations were conducted at pre and postoperative 6-month intervals for up to 4 years. He showed limited sound response and could not perform the formal speech perception tests for initial several months. However, he was able to complete the Body-Parts and ESP tests (low version) at 1 postoperative year and achieved the score of 80% for NU-CHIPS at 2 years after implantation. His open-set word recognition ability has shown continuous improvement over time. PBK score was 80% on phonemes and 50% on words at 2 years, Common Phrases score was 90% at 3 years following implantation. He also developed age appropriate language skills after 3 years of implantation. This report demonstrates that this child could remarkably benefit from cochlear implant even with severe cochlear malformation.