Cochlear Implantation in Patients with Eosinophilic Otitis Media

It is known that cochlear implantation for deaf patients with eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is safe and can provide good speech perception. However, the best timing of implant surgery in patients with EOM is not yet known. The aim of this case report is to suggest the appropriate timing of the surgery in EOM patients with deaf. Cochlear implantation was indicated in two patients with EOM. One underwent cochlear implantation in the absence of any ear discharge. In the other case, implant surgery was delayed for three years due to persistent ear discharge. No complications related to implant device or skin flap were observed in either case. The speech recognition score after implantation was good in the first case and poor in the second case. Perioperative complications were manageable even in the patient with persistent ear discharge. However, the delay in implant surgery due to the persistent ear discharge resulted in a poor speech recognition score. Early implantation should be considered even in EOM patients with ear discharge, although the presence of active middle ear inflammation is regarded as one of the contraindications for implantation according to the current Japanese guidelines.