Cochlear implantation in a child with a "common cavity" cochlear malformation

Abstract

A nucleus multichannel 22-electrode cochlear prosthesis was successfully implanted into a 4-year-old girl with a cochlear "common cavity" deformity. Preoperative radiologic studies showed bilateral common cavity cochlear malformations but no narrow internal auditory canal. Because left common cavity was larger than the right common cavity, the patient underwent a left cochlear implant. The facial nerve was found on the promontrium and interfered with accessing the hypoplastic round window. The cochlear cavity was entered through the hypoplastic semicircular canal to prevent facial nerve injury. In the postoperative rehabilitation phase, the child was able to distinguish phonemes, and word identification had started.