Cochlear Implant Surgery in Inner Ear Malformations

Congenital hearing losses appear with inner ear malformations (IEMs) in nearly 20% of cases. IEMs are a special group of patients that require special attention. There are many different types of IEMs and they all have distinctive features regarding hearing, radiological, and surgical findings. Distinguishing and deciding the proper classification is the first and most important step in the management of these patients. Proper classification is also important in creating a common language worldwide. When the malformation is classified correctly, the available treatment options become much easier to choose from. Choosing the best surgical rehabilitation method, which is either cochlear implantation or auditory brainstem implantation, can be a challenge in some IEM cases.