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....

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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