Obstruction of the fluid spaces of the cochlea was previously thought to contraindicate cochlear implantation due to difficulties of electrodes insertion and questions about potential benefits. However, the concept of implantation of ossified cochlea and its subsequent acceptance have progressed rapidly. A 62-year-old man complained of both hearing loss after meningitis and temporal bone CT scan showed partial obliteration of cochlea bilaterally. We fully inserted 22 active electrodes via scala vestibuli without difficulty. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of scala vestibuli electrode insertion in partially ossified cochlea.
Cochlea ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Electrodes ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Meningitis ; Middle Aged ; Scala Vestibuli ; Temporal Bone

Labyrinthitis ossificans (LO) is a pathologic formation of fibrosis and new bone within the lumen of the otic capsule. The LO is a challenging issue in cochlear implantation since obliteration and obstruction of the cochlea make electrode insertion through scala tympani (classic route) difficult. Moreover, tympanomastoidectomy for resolution of chronic otitis media is also simultaneously considered for tympanogenic LO with severe to profound hearing loss because ossification could progress in case of staged or delayed implantation after initial tympanomastoidectomy. We report a patient with tympanogenic LO, who received subtotal petrosectomy with simultaneous cochlear implantation via scala vestibuli instead of the scala tympani for hearing rehabilitation.
Cochlea ; Cochlear Implantation* ; Cochlear Implants* ; Ear, Inner* ; Electrodes ; Fibrosis ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Labyrinthitis* ; Otitis Media ; Rehabilitation ; Scala Tympani ; Scala Vestibuli*