Cochlear implantation with round window insertion in children less than 2 years

Conclusions: Cochlear implantation (CI) with round window insertion could be performed safely and effectively in children less than 2 years old, but it is a more challenging operation. Objective: To discuss the key surgical techniques of CI in children less than 2 years old with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: This was a retrospective study of data collected from patients undergoing CI. CI was performed with round window insertion in children less than 2 years old in Anhui Provincial Hospital between January 2003 and May 2013. Results: CI was performed in a total of 85 children. Of these, 80 children (90%) had round window insertion. All children had full insertions of the electrode array, in which the CI went normally and the electrode array was protected well. All implant devices worked normally and all patients performed well during an average follow-up period of 6–36 months. No major or minor complications occurred, and there was no perioperative anesthetic complication.