Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Chao-Hui Yang ； Chung-Feng Hwang ； Yu-Tsai Lin ； Fu-Min Fang

《International Journal of Head and Neck Science》 3卷1期 (2019/03) Pp. 33-37

https://doi.org/10.6696/IJHNS.201903_3(1).0005

摘要

Background: Hearing impairment is one of the common manifestations of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. Cochlear implant (CI) is a good modality for hearing-impaired patients. However, the otologic adverse effect of radiotherapy makes the considerations of CI in NPC patient more complicated. Methods: A literature review. Results: Preoperative consideration of CI in patients with NPC includes middle ear effusion, chronic otitis media, osteonecrosis of the temporal bone, and post-irradiation retro-cochlear neuropathy. Postoperative consideration of CI in patients with NPC includes postoperative wound care, chronic otitis media, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance, further radiotherapy, and surgery for head and neck region. Appropriate management for each consideration has to be performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Conclusions: Although many considerations about CI have to be evaluated and informed to hearing-impaired NPC patients, CI is still a good treatment modality to provide improved quality of life for them. Good communication between surgeon and patients about these considerations will be helpful for the decision of CI surgery in patients with NPC.

關鍵字

cochlear implantation ； nasopharyngeal carcinoma ； radiotherapy ； hearing loss