Indication and Surgical Consideration of Cochlear Implantation at Ramathibodi Hospital
Chanida Kanchanalarp MD, FICS*, Wichit Cheewaruangroj MD*, Cheamchit Thawin MA*, Krisna Lertsukprasert MA*
Affiliation : * Department of Otolaryngology,Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Objectives : To demonstrate selection criteria for cochlear implant candidates as well as the outcome of
quality of life (QoL) after cochlear implant surgery.
Materials and Methods : Retrospective review was performed of all cochlear implants at Ramathibodi Hospital.
A total number of 33 cochlear implantations were performed during the period of 10 years from December
1995 to December 2005. Inclusion criteria were established and the audiological criteria were then evaluated
using the electrical promontory stimulation test. The etiology of severe sensory neural hearing loss was
detected. The CT scan and MRI of the inner ear were studied in the different causes of deafness.
Results : The main cause of deafness in the present study (16 adults and 17 children) was suffering from
pregnancy rubella. The second one was familial congenital deafness. The CT scan studied in the rubella cases
showed anatomical normal cochlea and the hereditary cause of deafness showed abnormal cochlea that
caused a strong perilymphatic gusher in a 14 year- old boy. There were 16 cases of adolescent and adult
patients who all had good response in the promontory stimulation test. The QoL post implantation was
evaluated in regards to improvement in education and communication.
Conclusion : Multi-channel cochlear implantation in severe profound hearing loss patients could improve the
hearing in both normal and abnormal cochlea, congenital rubella deafness and the familial cause of deafness.
The outcomes of the QoL after surgery were better in hearing detection, speech perception, school performance,
communication and return to work.
Keywords : Cochlear implant, Mondini, Congenital deafness
