Cochlear implant (CI) implantation is the standard intervention for children with severe-to-profound hearing loss, including those with inner ear malformations, such as Mondini malformation. Post-CI implantation infections, although uncommon, can lead to serious complications, including device failure and labyrinthine ossification (LO)....
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Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
In patients with Mondini malformation and uncontrolled chronic ear infection where cochlear implantation fails, auditory brainstem implantation is a viable salvage option — consistent with existing guidance but reinforced by this case.
This case adds to the small but important literature on salvage auditory brainstem implantation, highlighting a management pathway for a rare but surgically challenging patient population.
- 01Patient had Mondini malformation (incomplete cochlea formation) and uncontrolled otomastoiditis (chronic middle/mastoid ear infection).
- 02Cochlear implant failed in the setting of these complicating anatomical and infectious factors.
- 03Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) placed as a salvage procedure with reported success.
- 04Case illustrates ABI as a fallback when cochlear anatomy or infection precludes standard CI outcomes.
- 05Single case report — findings cannot be generalised without further evidence.
Auditory brainstem implant was successfully placed and functional after cochlear implant failure in a patient with Mondini malformation and uncontrolled otomastoiditis.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42174720
- DOI
- 10.1186/s13256-026-06130-8.
- Journal
- Journal of Medical Case Reports
- Publication type
- case_report
- Evidence level
- 4
- Sample size
- 1
- Population
- Single patient with Mondini malformation and uncontrolled otomastoiditis following failed cochlear implantation
- Intervention
- Auditory brainstem implant (ABI) placement
Primary outcomes
Auditory function following ABI placement; Surgical feasibility of ABI after failed CI