Electrical stimulation of the cochlear nucleus. First results of the European auditory brainstem implant clinical trial

Patients with total deafness due to bilateral acoustic neuromas can be treated successfully by electrical stimulation of the second auditory neuron. A multielectrode implant with wireless transcutaneous transmission was developed based on the 22-Mini-Cochlear-Implant-System (Nucleus Pty, Sydney). Since 1992 in Europe 25 patients have been provided with the new device. Tumor size was 1.0 up to 5.5 cm. Using a translabyrintlline or lateral suboccipital approach the acoustic neuromas were removed and in the same procedure the central electroauditory prosthesis implanted at the cochlear nucleus. In 22 patients tested there were hearing impressions in 2 up to 21 electrodes. Side effects could be excluded by choosing the adequate electrodes. The patients had a place pitch and different sound impressions. The device facilitates lip reading and is useful in daily life.