Cochlear implantation at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a 12-year experience

Abstract

AbstractObjective:This paper aims to report our experience with different multichannel cochlear implant devices, and to discuss the outcomes of our cochlear implant programme, together with the problems encountered.Setting:Cochlear implantation was undertaken in 117 patients (35 post-lingual and 82 pre-lingual cases; 70 males and 47 females) over a 12-year period. Three cochlear implant systems were used: Nucleus (22 and 24), Med-El and Advanced Bionics Clarion. An extended endaural incision was used in 78 cases and a minimally invasive approach in 39 cases.Results:Complications occurred in 16.2 per cent of patients. All patients showed a significant post-implantation improvement in their perception and discrimination of sound and speech. Better results were noted in pre-lingual patients under the age of six years. The cause of hearing loss was unknown in 81 per cent of patients.Conclusion:The outcomes of our cochlear implantation series are comparable to previous reports. The possibility of an abnormally rotated cochlea should be borne in mind when difficulty is encountered during cochleostomy.