Resolution of facial stimulation in otosclerotic cochlear implants

OBJECTIVES: We examined the incidence of facial nerve stimulation in a population of patients with otosclerosis implanted with the Nucleus 22, Clarion 1.2, or Clarion High Focus (CHF) device. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective chart review was used for 147 patients who had been implanted with electronic cochlear devices at the University of Minnesota between June 1986 and February 2001. Seventy-four patients were implanted with the Nucleus 22, 41 patients were implanted with the Clarion 1.2 (without a positioner), and 32 patients were implanted with the CHF I or II. RESULTS: Eleven (14.9%) of the 74 patients implanted with the Nucleus 22 device had facial stimulation?. There were 9 patients with otosclerosis. Seven (78%) of the 9 patients with otosclerosis had facial stimulation. One (2.4%) of the 41 patients implanted with the Clarion 1.2 device (without a positioner) had facial stimulation and that 1 (100%) patient in the group had otosclerosis. There were 4 patients in the CHF group with otosclerosis. One patient experienced stimulation, but it was possible to decrease maximum current levels and still use the electrode pair. CONCLUSION: Facial stimulation appears to be less problematic in patients with otosclerosis implanted with the CHF devices.