Management of electrode exposure after cochlear implantation.

BACKGROUND

Exposure of a cochlear implant electrode array in the middle ear or external auditory canal is an uncommon complication. We report a series of 7 patients with electrode array exposure, 5 of whom were managed without surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To report the outcomes of patients with electrode array exposure after cochlear implantation.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Tertiary neurotology practice.

PATIENTS

Patients with cochlear implant electrode exposure in the middle ear or external auditory canal.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Length of observation without deterioration of implant function and without complications.

RESULTS

Five patients were managed without revision surgery. One patient presented with a poorly functioning implant, but after reprogramming, the implant returned to its baseline performance. Four other patients required no reprogramming and were managed medically without deterioration of implant function. Follow-up time was between 2 and 6 years. There were no serious complications in any patient related to their cochlear implant.

CONCLUSION

Careful observation of patients with an exposed electrode array after cochlear implantation and a functioning implant seems to be a reasonable management option in select cases.