Management of electrode exposure after cochlear implantation

BACKGROUND: Exposure of a cochlear implant electrode array in the middle ear or external auditory canal is an uncommon complication. We report a series of 7 patients with electrode array exposure, 5 of whom were managed without surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of patients with electrode array exposure after cochlear implantation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary neurotology practice. PATIENTS: Patients with cochlear implant electrode exposure in the middle ear or external auditory canal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Length of observation without deterioration of implant function and without complications. RESULTS: Five patients were managed without revision surgery. One patient presented with a poorly functioning implant, but after reprogramming, the implant returned to its baseline performance. Four other patients required no reprogramming and were managed medically without deterioration of implant function. Follow-up time was between 2 and 6 years. There were no serious complications in any patient related to their cochlear implant. CONCLUSION: Careful observation of patients with an exposed electrode array after cochlear implantation and a functioning implant seems to be a reasonable management option in select cases.