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Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)

Cochlear nerve absence, neurofibromatosis type 2, brainstem electrode array, sound awareness restoration

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Auditory Brainstem Implant (ABI)?

An auditory brainstem implant is a neural prosthesis with an electrode paddle placed on the surface of the cochlear nucleus in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle, bypassing nonfunctional cochlear nerves. Sound captured by an external processor is transmitted to a receiver-stimulator and delivered to the brainstem auditory pathway.

Primary indications include neurofibromatosis type 2 with bilateral vestibular schwannomas resulting in cochlear nerve loss, congenital cochlear nerve aplasia or hypoplasia in children unsuitable for cochlear implantation, severe cochlear ossification, and bilateral temporal bone fractures with avulsed cochlear nerves.

Outcomes typically range from sound and environmental awareness to limited open-set speech recognition. Pediatric implantees with central auditory plasticity often outperform NF2 adults. Surgery is performed via translabyrinthine or retrosigmoid approach, requires intraoperative electrically evoked auditory brainstem response monitoring, and demands long-term auditory rehabilitation.

Symptoms

Profound bilateral hearing loss with no cochlear nerve
Need for sound awareness for safety
Lip-reading dependence with no auditory input
Failed cochlear implant due to nerve loss
NF2 patient losing residual hearing

Risk Factors

Neurofibromatosis type 2
Cochlear nerve aplasia or hypoplasia
Bilateral temporal bone trauma
Severe cochlear ossification post-meningitis
Auditory neuropathy with absent nerves

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When cochlear implantation is contraindicated
  • For NF2 with progressive hearing loss
  • For child with cochlear nerve absence on MRI
  • For failed cochlear implant outcomes
  • For multidisciplinary candidacy evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Translabyrinthine ABI placement
02
Intraoperative electrical evoked ABR monitoring
03
Speech processor fitting and mapping
04
Long-term auditory-verbal rehabilitation
05
Family counseling and expectation management
06
Multidisciplinary team follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.