%0 Journal Article
%T Switching off Electrodes in Cochlear Implants - Causes and Consequences
%A Joana Pires
%A Joao Eloi
%A Jorge Humberto
%A Jorge Quadros
%A Lu¨ªs Silva
%A Pedro Tome
%A Ricardo Caiado
%J International Journal of Otolaryngology | Open Access Journal | Head & Neck Surgery
%D 2017
%X Introduction: With the evolution of cochlear implantation techniques and the results achieved, the implantion indications increased. The increase of implanted patients also increases the possibility of complications related to surgical technique and the proper performance of the implanted material. The solution regarding some of these complications may be to switch off electrodes. Objectives: To assess the causes that led to the need to switch off electrodes and its consequences in hearing performance. Methods: Review of all cases of adult patients implanted in the Unit for Cochlear Implantation in Coimbra Hospital and University Center in which was necessary to swicth off electrodes, their causes and consequences in terms of hearing performance. We used the SPSS 23, with T-test for paired samples (p ¡Ü 0.05). Results / Conclusion: A total of 451 adult patients were implanted and was necessary to disconnect electrodes in 35 cases. The main causes that led to the need to disconnect electrodes were: non-auditory stimulation, electrode failure / malfunction and incomplete insertion of the electrode array.Some of these situations may overlap.All patients were evaluated with the battery of tests developed and used in our Department to monitor functional benefit in implanted patients. This battery includes the tests: monosyllabic word test, numbers test, sentences test, disyllables word test and consonants test.The results revealed statistical difference in testing the monosyllables and phrases test. The patients were also grouped according to the number of electrodes disconnected and the battery of tests performed. A variation in the results according to the number of electrodes turned off was present, although it was not statistically significant.Regarding the consequences, our sample showed a decrease in auditory performance in some cases. However, with adequate programming, this decrease does not seem to compromise the overall auditory performance of the cochlear implant, not justifying its replacement. Keywords: Cochlear Implant; Eletrodes; Switch off; Disconnec
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