Cochlear implantation

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Velegrakis Yeoryios, MD

Professor of Otorhinolaryngology,

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

gvel@med.uoc.gr

Objective: To present the outcomes of the cochlear implantation program in a tertiary referral center in the island of Crete, Greece.

Methods: Our series consists of 61 patients, 41 adults and 20 children, in a 12 year period. The average age of our patients is 31 years (range 2 - 68). The average duration of deafness among our patients was 7 years (range 2 - 22). Our series included 39 postlingual patients and 22 prelingual patients. The cause of deafness was unknown in approximately 40 % of all cases. Standard selection criteria and operative techniques were used. Postoperative programming and rehabilitation was performed according to the individualized needs of every patient.

Results: Implantation was successful in all patients except one where a second operation was performed with good results. No other major postoperative complications were noted, while minor complications included temporary facial weakness and undesired stimulation of the facial nerve during implant function in 2 and 3 patients respectively. Patients showed significant improvement in perception and discrimination of sound and speech. Better results have been noted in prelingual patients under the age of six, as well as in postlingual adults with a recent history of deafness.

Conclusions: As cochlear implant technology evolves and surgical techniques continue to improve, our Department will continue its efforts towards the direction of providing effective hearing rehabilitation to deaf children and adults in the island of Crete, Greece.

References

Abstract Book: VII Balkan Congress of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Nis, 10-13 June 2010.