Clinical and radiological evaluation of patientswith cochlear implantation

Objective: We aimed to contribute to the literature with clinical and radiological data of patients who developed hearing loss for various reasons and operated for cochlear implants. Method: In our study, the data of 74 patients who operated for cochlear implants in our clinic were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical demographic data of the patients, implant sides, age of implantation, autobiography, family history, consanguineous marriage status in their parents, perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The patients were examined radiologically for mastoid pneumatization, jugular bulb, dura positions, sigmoid sinus positions, emissary vein variation, Korner septum condition in the mastoid bone, Hyrtl's fissure and semicircular canal dehiscence. In addition, diameters of the cochlear and vestibular aqueduct, diameter of the internal acoustic canal diameter, cochlear nerve canal width, diameters of cochlea and vestibule, basal turn length and height; diameter of cochlear nerve and diameter of the internal acoustic canal were measured in magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Diameters of cochlear and vestibular aqueduct and cochlear nerve canal width were found to be lower in pediatric patients in comparisons made according to temporal bone CT measurements between pediatric and adult patients without anomaly. In cochlear measurements made with CT between children with and without cochlear anomaly, it was seen that diameter of cochlea and basal turn length were significantly lower in the group with anomaly, while diameter of vestibule was higher in the group with anomaly. Conclusion: Clinical and radiological evaluation is very important in the selection of cochlear implant candidates. Making radiological data, especially with quantitative measurements, is important in terms of establishing standard evaluation protocols for patients. The patient's clinical and radiological information is a guide in follow-up and treatment and is data that can increase the patient's benefit from the implant. Keywords: Cochlear implant, inner ear malformation, hearing loss