Cochlear implantation in obliterated cochlea: A case study

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is the most common aetiology for acquired hearing loss. One of the most common sequelae of meningitis which has high impact on general functioning is hearing loss, either unilateral or bilateral, and varying from mild to profound. This article aimed to profile a case of 14 year old cochlear implant user who presented with hearing impairment in both ears, post meningitis with bilateral labyrinthine ossification. The patient underwent scala vestibuli insertion of cochlear implant. Scala vestibuli insertion of cochlear implantation showed significant improvement in speech perception in this case with extensive fibrosis and ossification of the basal turn of left cochlea. Scala vestibuli insertion offers a valuable alternative in cases of obstructed scala tympani that can be employed for a variety of etiologies.