Multichannel cochlear implantation with percutaneous pedestal.

In a prospective study by Cohen et al, the superiority of multichannel cochlear implant patient performance over single-channel cochlear implant performance was demonstrated. The Ineraid system described in this paper includes a percutaneous pedestal which has had a satisfactory patient experience. Only one pedestal removal has been necessary because of specific pedestal problems. Other less serious pedestal problems decrease in frequency with increasing time post-implantation. The auditory performance indicates significant communication skills improvement in patients with multichannel cochlear implants.