Histopathology of the temporal bone following multichannel cochlear implantation.

The temporal bone histopathologic findings of a patient having received a Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant (Cochlear Corp, Englewood, Colo) following bilateral transverse otic capsule fractures is presented. The case was complicated by perilymph fistulas, labyrinthitis, meningitis, and death due to drowning. The left cochlea revealed complete labyrinthitis ossificans; the implanted right cochlea demonstrated new bone formation in the basal turn of the scala tympani, degeneration of the organ of Corti, but normal ganglion cell counts. Results of psychophysical and speech perception 4 months after implantation are presented.