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Contralateral cochlear implantation prior to vestibular nerve section for ‘drop attacks’ in the only hearing ear

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 March 2015

J Shi*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
T Kertesz
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Prince of Wales Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Jing Shi, Sydney Children's Hospital, High St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia E-mail: jing.shi@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Abstract

Background:

A dilemma occurs in the treatment of second-sided Ménière's disease in the only hearing ear, particularly in patients with severe symptoms such as ‘drop attacks’. This paper describes a patient treated with contralateral cochlear implantation prior to vestibular nerve section of the symptomatic ear.

Case report:

A 53-year-old man, with second-sided Ménière's disease and drop attacks in the only serviceable right ear, underwent successful left cochlear implantation 30 years after hearing loss, followed by right vestibular nerve section. The patient achieved control of Ménière's attacks and improved hearing. Although the patient experienced oscillopsia post-operatively, he was satisfied with his improved everyday functioning.

Conclusion:

Patients with severe second-sided Ménière's disease in the only hearing ear are a small but difficult treatment group. In those that are suitable for cochlear implantation in the non-serviceable ear, it is suggested that this be employed prior to surgical treatment of the Ménière's symptoms, even if the implanted ear has had no auditory stimulation for many years.

Type
Clinical Record
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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