A case of bilateral cochlear implantation in single-sided untreated acoustic neurinoma.

Acoustic neurinoma affects the acousticofacial nerve and therefore in many cases is a contraindication for cochlear implantation and an indication for brainstem implant. Nevertheless benefit in these patients has been shown after tumour removal and cochlear implantation. The first case of bilateral cochlear implantation in a patient with single-sided untreated acoustic neurinoma is described here. In a 49-year-old woman with progressive hearing loss during the last 12 years we preoperatively diagnosed an acoustic neurinoma of the left side. After cochlear implantation of the right side she was sequentially implanted on the affected side as well. Before surgery radiological control of the tumour for signs of growth was performed and the patient was thoroughly informed of the situation and possible therapies and dangers. Speech discrimination scores obtained in the second implanted ear came up to the performance of the first implant after 6 months.