Otitis media in children following the cochlear implant.

Children are more prone to otitis media than adults. Therefore, although otitis media has not produced any complications in adult cochlear implant patients, concern has been expressed that it might do so in children with an implant. This study examined the frequency and severity of otitis media following cochlear implantation. Data were collected from parents and physicians by use of a questionnaire. In addition, medical records were examined for incidence and severity of otitis media or any evidence of inner ear infection. All parents and all physicians who responded to the questionnaire rated both the frequency and severity of otitis media as the same or decreased after implantation when compared to preimplant. Medical records show no evidence that incidence of otitis media is affected by the implant.