Our Experience with Split Electrode Array Implant for Obliterated Cochlea

To study the outcomes of split electrode array cochlear implantation in ossified cochlea using the CAP scoring system. Retrospective case study. Tertiary referral center. Six cochleae in three adult and three pediatric patients with ossification. Intervention(s): All Patients underwent cochlear implantation with a split electrode array system. Major outcome parameter(s): Number of electrodes inserted during surgery, number of functioning electrodes on follow-up and auditory performance evaluation using the CAP score—Category of Auditory Perception [TSC Revised Version, based on Nottingham CI Program, 1995]. Six patients (three children and three adults) had insertion of split electrode array system. The mean number of electrodes inserted were 18.3 (range 15–21) and functioning electrodes at follow-up were mean of 14.3 (range 7–21). Auditory performance was measured using CAP score at 1 year post implant follow up, mean score in children was six and that in adult was eight. One pt had facial nerve twitching which was corrected by switching off the concerned electrode. No complications in sort of facial palsy or vestibular disorder were observed. Patients of ossified cochlea having profound deafness do well with split electrode array cochlear implantation as evaluated with CAP scoring system. The split electrode array results in more number of electrodes within the cochlear lumen. Retro graded apical array insertion has less chances of facial nerve stimulation as it is placed away from the nerve.