Cochlear Osteoneogenesis After Meningitis in Cochlear Implant Patients

Abstract

In our study, the earliest onset of labyrinthitis ossificans was found in high-resolution computed tomographic scans as early as 4 weeks after the onset of meningitis. In most cases, ossification occurred bilaterally with predominantly asymmetric involvement of both ears. The rate of osteoneogenesis increases significantly over time after meningitis. This leads to the conclusion that cochlear ossification can start very early and increase over time with unpredictable speed. Cochlear ossification typically develops bilaterally. From these results, we conclude that cochlear implantation should be performed bilaterally as soon as possible after meningitis and deafness have been diagnosed. HRCT offers good specificity but only limited sensitivity. Preoperative diagnostics should include magnetic resonance imaging to optimize preparation for cochlear implantation.