Publication:

Complications of cochlear implant surgery: a review

A safe and proven surgical technique for auditory rehabilitation in cases of severe to profound hearing loss is cochlear implantation. The purpose of the CI is to convert auditory information into electric stimulation and to stimulate the cochlear nerve. Cochlear implantation is currently a common surgical technique due to the rise of CI candidates in recent years. The associated complication rates remain high even with the advancements in cochlear implantation procedures. One of the main concerns during CI surgery is infection. Implant extrusion, implant sepsis, migration of electrode, flap related problems, meningitis, and persistent non-auditory stimulation are major complications of cochlear implantations. Major complications are less common compared to the minor complications. The minor complications of cochlear implantations include tympanic membrane perforation, ear canal fenestrations, transient facial nerve paresis, chorda tympani nerve (CTN) injury, vertigo, and tinnitus. Device failure is the cause of second surgery and reimplantation. The clinicians/otologists should be aware of the possible complications of CI surgery. This article reviews different types of minor and major complications associated with CI surgery.