Cochlear implants are electronic auditory device which is used to rehabilitate deafened persons who have lost their hair cells. They are partly worn externally and partly implanted in the ear.
They provide a direct stimulation of the spiral ganglion cells of the cochlear nerve by bypassing the destroyed hair cells.
Recently there has been tremendous growth in the number of cochlear implants being performed in India and, consequently, there has also been a steady increase in the CT/MRI imaging, done as a part of the preoperative workup of these patients. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and MRI of the temporal bones provide vital information; these are baseline investigations and are necessary in all patients posted for cochlear implant surgery.
Use of HRCT and MRI in CI patients
By doing CT or MRI imaging, congenital malformations of the inner ear although rare anomalies; can be identified in about 20% of patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
The important congenital anomalies that are encountered when imaging patients prior to cochlear implant surgeries are listed below
1-Cochlear malformations,
2- Vestibular malformations,
3-Malformations of the semicircular canals,
4-Vestibular and cochlear aqueduct malformations,
5-Cochlear nerve deficiency,
6-Isolated attenuated modiolus,
7-Isolated cochlea.
3D CT using VR/SR gives even better and stunning images of the inner ear and will be most valuable in preoperative planning of CI programme.
Cochlear implant programme will be launched in SUT Hospital, soon.
