Systematic approach by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in cochlear implantation candidates in Suez Canal University Hospital

Objectives: To create a systematic approach using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to facilitate identifying the etiology of hearing loss, evaluating the anatomy for surgery, and predicting complications. Methods: Twenty nine pediatric patients with congenital or acquired sensory-neural hearing loss (SNHL) requiring cochlear implant (CI) were included. They underwent combined CT, 3D DRIVE MRI axial plane and axial T2WIs for the whole brain. The inner ear, cochlear nerve development, temporal bone anatomy, operative window, normal variants and causes of central hearing loss were assessed. Results: CT showed that 100% of the patients are suitable for CI while MRI showed that 96.5% of studied patients are suitable. The examined ears were categorized into 4 groups according the candidacy for operation; 86.2% were suitable for CI, 5.1% were suitable for CI but with expected poor response, 1.7% of examined ears were suitable for CI with modification of surgical procedure and 6.8% were not suitable for CI. Conclusion: In Suez Canal area, the combined CT/MRI approach categorized the majority of patients with SNHL (96.6%) as good candidates for CI