Cochlear implantation has become a reliable choice for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Increased awareness and enhanced audiological and diagnostic radiological facilities have given rise to increase in the number of Cochlear Implantations being performed.  Diagnostic imaging is of primary importance in determining candidacy, assessing potential intra-operative surgical challenges, anticipating probable results, for research, experimental techniques, and documentation.  Three essential information we need to obtain is Cochleo-vestibular Anomalies that Preclude Implantation, evidence of Luminal Obstruction which can complicate the surgery intra-operatively and presence of any additional findings that may complicate the surgery or subsequent patient management.  Both Magnetic Resonance Imaging and High resolution computed tomography are essential to obtain clinically relevant pre-operative information.  It is essential to develop a systematic and rational structured check-list to obtain detailed information.  Such pre-op evaluation helps in anticipation of potential complications such as intra-operative CSF leak and facial nerve anomalies and preparing the surgeon in dealing with them to manage safely.  Pre-operative knowledge about the status of the Cochlea and Cochlear lumen can also help in choosing the implant and electrode types.  Patients can also be counseled pre-operatively about the procedure, consequences and realistic post-operative results.  Most important of all, diagnostic radiology helps us in excluding the patients who are not ideal candidates for Cochlear Implantation.
MRI is used as a preliminary imaging modality for screening. The MRI is assessed with an inside out approach, starting from the Brain and Auditory cortex to the mastoid.  Pathological conditions with potential poor outcomes are identified, counseled and/or such patients are excluded from candidacy.  A Computed tomography is done only if potential surgical risks are identified on MRI.  With this, we present a rational approach and check-list for radiological diagnostic evaluation for Cochlear Implants.

Diagnostic Imaging for Cochlear Implantation: A rational approach

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm, that on behalf of the Cochlear Implant centers of the Radboud UMC in Nijmegen and Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam to invite you to attend the 16th European Symposium on Pediatric Cochlear Implantation to Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2023.

Yours sincerely, on behalf of the CI Centers at Radboud UMC and Erasmus MC,