Complications related to cochlear implants: experience in Tehran.

Objective: Cochlear implantation (CI) is an effective treatment for profound deaf patients. To study the cochlear implant complications in patients at Amir Aalam Hospital.

Methods: The study population involved 177 profoundly deaf patients, implanted within the same cochlear implant center.

Results: Twenty-four (13.6%) patients experienced complications. Early complications accrued in 9 (37.7%) patients within the first 24 hours. Eight (4.5%) patients had major complications including facial nerve paralysis, suture rupture and prosthesis rejection. Prosthesis rejection 6 (30%) was the most frequent major complication. Minor complications were found in 16 (9%) cases which were managed medically. Older age with CI was correlated with higher major complications.

Conclusion: In contrast to minor complications, the frequency of major complications in this cohort was higher than that published by other groups.