Using the CLARION (R) Cochlear Implant in cochlear ossification

This paper is a retrospective review of 5 patients with various degrees of cochlear ossification who were implanted with the CLARION(R) Multi-Strategy (TM) Cochlear Implant. Preoperative computed tomography scans, intraoperati ve findings, surgical technique, and hearing outcomes are discussed in a ca se report format. Full implantation was achieved in all cases by a systemat ic approach that included drill-through of proximal obstruction (2 cases), scala vestibuli insertion (2 cases), and complete drill-out (1 case). The o nly complication was delayed wound healing in a patient with sickle cell di sease, chronic active hepatitis, and steroid dependency on antimetabolite t herapy. Early results show that the 4 patients with at least 3 months of ex perience have a mean open set sentence recognition score of 55% and a mean open-set word recognition score of 24%. The conclusion is that implantation of the Clarion device in ossified cochleas can be successful in all degree s of ossification and can provide significant hearing benefit.