OBJECTIVETo evaluate the indications and surgery time of cochlear implantation in patients with otitis media with effusion (OME).

METHODSCochlear implantation was performed in 26 patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and OME. Non-Surgical Treatment was conducted for OME before the following implantation. According to the standards of the indications and surgery time, surgery was carried out. During the process of surgery operation, related lesions of OME were completely removed and proper drainage was then constructed. After the surgery, the patients were regularly followed up, and the effective of cochlear implantation was evaluated.

RESULTSUnilateral ear of 26 patients was successfully operated. Among them, 5 cases were left ears and the remaining was right ears. All implant devices worked normally after 1 month. Had been followed up from 13 months to 4.3 years, 19 patients with OME were healed and the remaining was turning better. No evidence showed phenomenon of the eardrum perforation and acute attack of OME.

CONCLUSIONSOnce the indications of cochlear implantation in patients with OME are guaranteed, the surgery should be conducted as early as possible. The complications of cochlear implantation in patients with OME can be effectively avoided through proper treatment in different stages.