FACIAL-NERVE STIMULATION AFTER SUCCESSFUL MULTICHANNEL COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION

Postoperative rehabilitation after cochlear implantation may be diffic ult and frustrating for both patient and audiologist. The occurrence o f facial nerve stimulation with associated twitching and discomfort ca n interfere with the rehabilitative process and be a cause of great co ncern to the patient. Such stimulation can occur at the time of initia l ''tune-up'' or can be delayed by months or years. The incidence of p ostoperative facial nerve stimulation in 109 consecutive patients oper ated by the same surgeon over a period of 7 years is reviewed. Possibl e causes for immediate and delayed stimulation are discussed, and stra tegies at surgery are outlined. Rehabilitative techniques for dealing with facial nerve stimulation are reviewed.