Approaches and Outcomes of Auditory Brainstem Implants

Audiotory brainstem implants are applied to patients with hearing loss who are not anatomically and radiologically suitable for cochlear implants. Since the early 2000s, its use has been increasing in both adult and pediatric patients worldwide. In the case of retrocochlear damage, an ABI can help in sound discrimination and recognition. It needs to be kept in mind that the benefits from an ABI depend on many factors, including the etiology of hearing loss, age at implantation, tonotopic organization, and surgical and audiological conditions. Technological and surgical advances in recent years have made this practice an important auditory prosthesis option for patients. Although there are surgical and technological advances, it does not yet have the potential to replace the cochlear implant. It is obvious that both neurootologists and audiologists in the auditory brainstem implant team must have high-level knowledge and skills in order for current practices to be carried out in a healthy way and for patients to receive optimal benefits. It is very important for the success of the process that the auditory brainstem implant team can perform preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative applications and follow-ups at a very high level. In order for the result to be successful, the auditory rehabilitation team must also provide intensive support to this team.