FORM24 electrode array and perioperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage in cochlear implant recipients with cochleovestibular malformations.

Background: Cochlear implant (CI) recipients with a cochleovestibular malformation (CVM) are at a higher risk of experiencing an intra-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gusher and, therefore are at greater risk of developing postoperative meningitis than are CI recipients with normal cochlear anatomy. To control CSF gushers, the FORM electrode array was developed.

Objectives: To assess the ability of the FORM24 electrode array in managing intraoperative CSF gushers and preventing postoperative CSF leakage in a population of CI recipients.

Cochlear Implantation in Children with Otitis Media.

One of the concerns during the cochlear implant candidacy process is the presence of chronic otitis media which could delay the implantation process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical difficulties and the long-term complications in children with otitis media and to examine whether it is necessary to delay the implantation until the infection is resolved. The study used a comparative retrospective design based on chart review of all patients who received their implant(s) from January to December of 2012.

Cochlear implant for bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss in an adolescent with sickle cell anemia.

We present the first-published cochlear implant in an adolescent with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A 15-year-old Saudi girl, previously diagnosed with SCA, developed gradual bilateral permanent profound SNHL over 18 months and underwent a successful cochlear implantation. SNHL associated with sickle cell crises is a well-known phenomenon.

Cochlear implant and thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome.

Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder defined by the occurrence of megaloblastic anemia, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral sensorineural deafness, responding in varying degrees to thiamine treatment. We report a precedence case for the treatment of deafness associated with the typical triad of thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia in a 4-year-old boy who showed a poor use of preoperative hearing aids but demonstrated significant improvements in hearing ability 1 year after receiving a cochlear implant.