Diagnostic value of CT and MRI of Temporal Bone in Cochlear Implantation Candidates

Background Cochlear implantation is an approved treatment which can be used to treat severe to profound hearing loss. Imaging before cochlear implant surgery is very important in decision making and assessing the temporal bone anatomy for surgery. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of high resolution CT scan (HRCT), and MRI of temporal bone in candidate patient for cochlear implantation and compared with surgical results. Materials and Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 patients aged under 5 years with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) in Ahvaz cochlear implant center, Ahvaz, Iran. All patients were assessed via temporal bone HRCT and MRI before surgery. In addition, the radiological findings were analyzed and compared with surgical results. Results Obstruction of cochlear patency was found in 7 patients. The mean sensitivity/specificity of CT and MRI assessments were 100/94% and 100/96.3%, respectively. Associated anomalies were found in 4 patients. The mean sensitivity/specificity of CT and MRI assessments were 50/100% and 75/100%, respectively. Conclusion Based on the results, since CT scans are more accessible and cost less for the patient, it is recommended to perform CT scan as a primary method for assessment before surgery, while the MRI is only applied when the initial findings are unclear.