Recurrent Cochlear Implant Electrode Exposure in a Smoker With Prior Canal Wall Mastoidectomy: A Case Report

Cochlear implantation (CI) is an established and effective surgical intervention for patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The procedure involves placement of an internal receiver-stimulator in a postauricular subperiosteal pocket with an electrode advanced through the mastoid and facial recess into the cochlea....

Smoking and prior canal wall mastoidectomy appear to compound the risk of cochlear implant electrode exposure; surgeons should weigh these risk factors carefully pre-operatively, though this single case does not change established guidelines.

Electrode exposure is a serious, potentially device-threatening complication, and this case underscores the importance of identifying modifiable risk factors — especially smoking — before cochlear implantation.

1. 01Recurrent electrode exposure occurred in a cochlear implant recipient who was an active smoker with prior canal wall mastoidectomy.
2. 02Smoking impairs wound healing and may substantially elevate post-implant complication risk.
3. 03Prior canal wall mastoidectomy alters local anatomy, adding further surgical complexity.
4. 04The case highlights the need for thorough pre-operative risk stratification in cochlear implant candidates.
5. 05Management of recurrent electrode exposure may require revision surgery and interdisciplinary planning.

PMID

42261497

DOI

10.7759/cureus.108505.

Journal

Cureus

Publication type

case_report

Evidence level

4

Sample size

1

Population

Single adult cochlear implant recipient who smokes and had prior canal wall mastoidectomy

Intervention

Cochlear implantation in a patient with prior canal wall mastoidectomy and active smoking history