Blinded comparison of computed tomography, ultrasound and needle methods to measure skin flap thickness for cochlear implantation.

Purpose: Patient suitability for cochlear implant (CI) devices compatible with magnetic resonance imaging and CI processor configuration is dependent on their retro-auricular skin flap thickness. This is typically measured intra-operatively using a needle and therefore patients are not guaranteed their implant of choice prior to surgery. We aimed to identify an accurate method to measure skin flap thickness pre-operatively to streamline CI selection and simplify the consent process.

Impact on patients of the coronovirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of cochlear implant surgery: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of elective surgical procedures for profoundly deaf patients awaiting cochlear implantation.

Method: Open-ended questionnaires were sent to all adult patients awaiting cochlear implantation surgery. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach.

Preliminary assessment of the feasibility of using AB words to assess candidacy in adults.

Background: Adult cochlear implant (CI) candidacy is assessed in part by the use of speech perception measures. In the United Kingdom the current cut-off point to fall within the CI candidacy range is a score of less than 50% on the BKB sentences presented in quiet (presented at 70 dBSPL).

Goal: The specific goal of this article was to review the benefit of adding the AB word test to the assessment test battery for candidacy.