To begin, analyze pure tone audiograms of patients to track hearing loss, or HL progression. To identify HL-associated genes, obtain blood samples from patients as well as their family members, and perform genetic testing and next generation sequencing. Utilizing CT and MRI images, determine the etiology and predict future residual acoustic hearing.
Launch the OTOPLAN software and import DICOM data from preoperative computed tomography images into it. After the software measures the cochlear duct length, choose the cochlear implant array length to match areas of expected future hearing loss. For the surgical procedure, create a five to six centimeter postauricular incision in a lazy S shape.
And using six to four millimeter cutting bars, perform mastoidectomy to expose the lateral semicircular canal and the short process of the incus. Utilizing 1.5 to two millimeter diamond bars, perform a posterior tympanotomy between the expected facial nerve and chorda tympani. After visualizing the round window niche, with a low speed drill, remove the bony overhang of the round window to expose the membrane.
Employing a pick, open the round window membrane sufficiently and carefully insert the electrode for over three minutes. The six-month postoperative audiograms suggested that residual low frequency hearing was well preserved in all the cases after the procedure compared to the preoperative audiograms.
