Imaging Evaluation for Cochlear Implantation

Sensorineural hearing loss affects children and adults of all ages, and technologic advances in hearing devices have contributed to an increasing number of cochlear implant recipients in the past decade. Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MR imaging plays an integral role in the evaluation of these cochlear implant candidates, and, with the increasing number of candidates and recipients, there has been a commensurate increase in both imaging capabilities and the absolute number of studies performed with a presurgical indication. This review provided a stepwise approach to evaluating CT and MR imaging examinations of potential candidates for cochlear implant, described normal temporal bone anatomy and variants, and illustrated pathologies and vascular anomalies most relevant to the referring otolaryngologist.

Learning Objective: Become familiar with the function of a cochlear implant device, identify anatomy relevant to cochlear implantation, review causes of hearing loss that could impact surgical planning, and recognize findings that could potentially lead to operative complications, if unrecognized.