Possible Immune Alteration After Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

Aims:Cochlear implant (CI) is a widely accepted device to patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss to replace the normal hearing pathway. Since a portion of the device is implanted under the skin, possible immune alteration may occur. Our aim was to assess the production of some selected pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with cochlear implants and their impact on hearing outcomes. Material and Methods: Our study was conducted on 25 cochlear implanted patients who were subjected to IL-1β, IL2, IFN-γ and IL6 laboratory assessment preoperatively, postoperatively, 6 months after CI and 2 years after CI. Simultaneously, impedance and neural response telemetry (NRT) were measured and the data were analyzed statistically in relation to the laboratory findings. Results:No statistically significant difference was found between the levels of cytokines at different times of assessment except a significant increase of IL-1β at first fitting postoperatively in comparison to preoperative sample. Also, no statistically significant difference was found as regards values of impedance and NRT except a significant decrease of postoperative measures of NRT in comparison to intraoperative measures without any malfunction. Conclusion:There is a minimal immune alteration immediately after CI without any functional affection which may be attributed to the trauma of the implantation surgery rather than foreign body immune response.