Cochlear Implants Are Linked To Increased Hearing Loss And New Bone Formation

Cochlear implants are linked to increased hearing loss and new bone formation

London, Dec 8, 2008 : .A majority of cochlear implant patients develop new bone that negatively affects long-term hearing preservation, according a study.
Cochlear implantation is a proven method to treat severe hearing loss.The device is composed of an external part that lies behind the ear and an internal part that is surgically implanted underneath the skin.This stimulates the nerves in the cochlea.It is a fluid-filled spiral structure that transmits sound to the brain through sensory nerves.

 Cochlear Implants Are Linked To Increased Hearing Loss And New Bone Formation-TeluguStop.com

Cochlear implants can’t restore normal hearing but they can help people recognize words and better understand speech.

Although complications from cochlear implant problems are rare, post-mortem studies show that they can be linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and new bone formation.

Radiology’s article outlines the potential clinical implications of new bone development.However, in-vivo detection “or within the body”, has not been described.

To help understand, the team used ultra high spatial resolution CT (UHRCT), to assess new bone formation in 123 patients with cochlear implant.

Researchers were able to detect bone formation in vivo with UHRCT.

Out of the 123 patients, 83 (68%) had new bone formation within four years.This was mainly at the base and cochlea.

The group with new bone formation had a significantly greater long-term residual hearing loss.

“As indicated in our study, there’s a correlation between new bones formation and long-term hearing loss,” stated Berit M.Verbist from the Departments of Radiology at Radboudumc, and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden.

The effects of new bone formation around the cochlear electrode and on surrounding structures can have a number negative consequences.

It can cause interference with the channel interaction and complex device fittings, as well as a decrease in overall hearing outcomes.It could also make it difficult to do future therapies like gene therapy to restore cochlear function.

Verbist stated that “Last but certainly not least, new bone formation could complicate reimplantation surgery.”

Researchers noted that cochlear implantation has become more accessible for people with severe or profound hearing loss.

The need for a method to detect and monitor new bone formation in vivo is greater than ever due to the increase in patients.However, there are still many questions to be answered before the treatment of a patient with new bone formation can be achieved, according to Floris Heutink from Radboud University Medical Center in The Netherlands.

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Disclaimer : TeluguStop.com Editorial Team not involved in creation of this article & holds no responsibility for its content..This Article is Provided by IANS, Please contact IANS if any issues in Article .


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