Cochlear implantation in 53 patients with otosclerosis: demographics, computed tomographic scanning, surgery, and complications.

OBJECTIVES: To collect data from a large number of cochlear implant recipients with otosclerosis and to make an assessment of these patients' clinical characteristics, computed tomographic scans, surgical findings, and complications, and to quantify the occurrence of postoperative facial nerve stimulation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study. PATIENTS: Fifty-three patients with otosclerosis from four cochlear implant centers in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands were reviewed. Sixty surgical procedures were performed in these patients: 57 devices were placed in 56 ears. RESULTS: The computed tomographic imaging demonstrated retrofenestral (cochlear) otosclerotic lesions in the majority of patients. Although not statistically significant, the extent of otosclerotic lesions on the computed tomographic scan as categorized in three types tends to be greater in patients with rapidly progressive hearing loss, in patients in whom there is surgically problematic insertion of the electrode array, and in patients with facial nerve stimulation. In four patients, revision surgery had to be performed. Twenty of 53 (38%) patients experienced facial nerve stimulation at various periods postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implant surgery in patients with otosclerosis can be challenging, with a relatively high number of partial insertions and misplacements of the electrode array demanding revision surgery. A very high proportion of patients experienced facial nerve stimulation mainly caused by the distal electrodes. This must be discussed with patients preoperatively

Bicultural development within an early childhood teacher education programme

This paper reports findings from a doctoral study which focused on processes implemented within an early childhood teacher education programme at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand, that aimed to deliver on a stated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. This 1840 treaty guaranteed protection to Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. As a result of the impact of colonisation by Britain, Māori have become marginalised within their own country, and their language is threatened. Recognition of the treaty necessitates a restorative process that may be termed ‘bicultural development’. This paper describes key features of the bicultural development process implemented within this teacher education programme