This study aimed to identify the association between different cochlear metrics, including the basal turn diameter (A-value), the basal turn width (B-value), and the height of the cochlea (H-value). We also reported an association between H-value and hearing outcomes with cochlear implants (CI). This is a retrospective study that included all patients who underwent CI procedures between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary center and have; preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (CT) , normal cochlea, postoperative follow-up duration of at least 2 years, scores of the category auditory performance II (CAP-II), and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) scales. A total of 65 ears implanted with CI in 46 patients (24 boys and 20 girls; mean age of 7 (±10) years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found significant positive correlations between A vs B, A vs H, and B vs H ( P -value = 0.008, 0.018, and 0.0039, respectively). We also found a significant positive relationship between A, B, and H values and cochlear duct length (CDL) ( P -value < 0.0001, 0.008, and 0.018, respectively). Finally, the H-value was significantly correlated with the SIR ( P -value = 0.027). However, its correlation with the CAP score was not statistically significant ( P -value = 0.62). Cochlear height significantly correlated with CDL and the other cochlear parameters. The variation in cochlear height can also affect speech outcomes in patients undergoing CI. Therefore, the H-value together with the other cochlear metrics should be adequately assessed preoperatively in CI patients.

Objectives: Hemangioma is a common soft tissue tumor that can be categorized mainly into cavernous, capillary, and venous subtypes. It usually develops in the head and neck and rarely in the external auditory canal (EAC). Methods: A systematic review of patients with capillary hemangioma of the EAC was performed. A computerized systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to extract relevant studies for a qualitative review. Results: A total of 38 patients were included in the systematic review, and half of them were men. Hearing loss was the most common presenting feature (n = 19; 50%), followed by aural fullness (n = 15; 39.4%). Cavernous hemangioma was the predominant type (n = 22, 57.8%). Endaural and transcanal surgical approaches were the most frequent, with ten (26.3%) and nine (23.6%) cases, respectively. Most of the patients (n = 31; 81.5%) had no recurrence. Conclusions: Hemangioma of the EAC may not be uncommon as healthcare professionals may expect. Hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus are possible symptoms, but many patients remain asymptomatic. Surgical excision is the main effective management option, and complete resolution is the most prevalent outcome. Computed tomography assists in the diagnosis, but histopathological examination after resection is mandatory for the definitive diagnosis.

Objectives: This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the variations in nerve bundles between patients with normal anatomy and those with inner‐ear anomalies.Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the temporal bones of candidates for cochlear implants (CIs) enrolled at a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed from the clinical database. The 3.0‐Tesla MRI scans were analyzed using a three‐dimensional slicer to visualize the nerve bundles in the internal auditory canal.Results: A total of 49 ears were analyzed. Twenty ears exhibited normal inner ear anatomy, whereas 29 ears had various inner‐ear malformations. The cochlear nerve (CN) was visible on all 20 scans with normal inner‐ear anatomy. In addition, the CN was visualized in 18 scans with inner ear malformations. Furthermore, the CN was identified in six of the eight scans with IP type I, whereas in two scans, the CN and vestibular nerve were unclear. Three scans with a common cavity showed only two nerve bundles.Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the CN can be visualized in most inner‐ear anatomical types. Even in severely malformed inner ears, the common nerve bundle that represents the cochlear and vestibular nerves can be visualized. The MRI is highly recommended for CN assessment before CI surgery.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Background: Cochlear implantation (CI) has revolutionized auditory rehabilitation for patients with severe to profound hearing loss secondary to bacterial meningitis. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on CI outcomes in this patient population. Demographic characteristics, surgical techniques, and audiometric outcomes across studies published from 1993 to 2024 are highlighted. Methodology: In a systematic search of electronic databases, 19 eligible studies from Europe, North America, China, and Turkey were identified. These studies included retrospective cohort designs, prospective cohorts, and case series that assessed various aspects of CI outcomes. Data extraction was focused on patient demographics, preimplantation characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Results: The studies reported heterogeneous but positive audiological outcomes following CI. Significant improvements in speech perception and quality-of-life metrics were observed across different patient subgroups. This review identified variability in surgical approaches (eg, cochleostomy and circumodiolar drill-out), implant devices (eg, nucleus and advanced bionics), and speech processing strategies (eg, SPEAK and ACE). Audiological gains were influenced by factors such as age at implantation, duration of deafness, and presence of cochlear ossification. Conclusion: CI offers significant benefits for patients with postmeningitis hearing loss, although the outcomes vary based on patient-specific factors and surgical techniques. The findings from this review underscore the importance of personalized treatment approaches and highlight areas for future research, including standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up, to optimize patient outcomes and refine clinical protocols.