Objectives: To collect data from a large number of cochlear implant recipients with otosclerosis and to make an assessment of these patients' clinical characteristics, computed tomographic scans, surgical findings, and complications, and to quantify the occurrence of postoperative facial nerve stimulation.
Study design: Retrospective multicenter study.
Patients: Fifty-three patients with otosclerosis from four cochlear implant centers in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands were reviewed. Sixty surgical procedures were performed in these patients: 57 devices were placed in 56 ears.
Results: The computed tomographic imaging demonstrated retrofenestral (cochlear) otosclerotic lesions in the majority of patients. Although not statistically significant, the extent of otosclerotic lesions on the computed tomographic scan as categorized in three types tends to be greater in patients with rapidly progressive hearing loss, in patients in whom there is surgically problematic insertion of the electrode array, and in patients with facial nerve stimulation. In four patients, revision surgery had to be performed. Twenty of 53 (38%) patients experienced facial nerve stimulation at various periods postoperatively.
Conclusion: Cochlear implant surgery in patients with otosclerosis can be challenging, with a relatively high number of partial insertions and misplacements of the electrode array demanding revision surgery. A very high proportion of patients experienced facial nerve stimulation mainly caused by the distal electrodes. This must be discussed with patients preoperatively.