Early activation of cochlear implantation in the patients with inner ear malformation.

Background: Cochlear implantation could be successfully performed in the patients with inner ear malformations resulting in significant auditory benefits. On the other hand, the safety and feasibility of early activation of cochlear implantation have been reported in recent years. Nevertheless, there was no reports to address early activation in the patients with inner ear malformation to date. The aim of this report was to evaluate safety and feasibility of early activation in the cochlear implantation patients with inner ear malformation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review at a single institution. Patients with inner ear malformation who received cochlear implantation were included. Commencement of electrical stimulation within 24 hours after the surgery has been performed in our cochlear implant center. Result: Among 17 patients (bilateral implantation, n=3) included in this study, inner ear malformation included incomplete partition type II (n=9), incomplete partition type III (n=2), cochlear hypoplasia (n=6), and common cavity (n=3). Initial switch-on within 24 hours was done in all patients. No major complication occurred. Conclusion: This study revealed that early activation of cochlear implantation was clinically safe and feasible in patients with inner ear malformation. It could fulfill the unmet need for international patients with inner ear malformation who had to depart within days after the surgery due to visa and budget issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]