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)....
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