Triple Semi-Circular Canal Occlusion and Cochlear Implantation: A Treatment Option for Single-Sided Menière’s Disease with Functional Deafness—A Case Series

Abstract

The surgical options for patients with single-sided Menière’s disease and functional deafness are challenging. Our case series reports the outcomes of surgical treatments of patients with single-sided Menière’s disease and functional deafness. These patients have undergone a one-staged occlusion of all semi-circular canals and cochlear implantation. Five patients (four female and one male; 62 ± 8.2 years with a range from 50 to 72 years) with single-sided Menière’s disease and functional deafness were included in this study. In all cases, the patients suffered from frequent rotational vertigo episodes for many years. Other treatment options (e.g., medication) had not yet been successful. Preoperatively, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) of all patients indicated severe emotional, physical, and functional deficits. Patients showed a functional (near-total) deafness of the affected ear in all cases. All patients were supplied with cochlear implants in combination with a triple occlusion of all semi-circular canals in a one-stage procedure. After a short period of increased dizziness following surgery and after the activation of the cochlear implant and CI rehabilitation (auditory-verbal therapy), vertigo control and an adequate audiological outcome were achieved. The DHI showed a constant decrease after surgery. The combination of a triple semi-circular canal occlusion and cochlear implantation can be an efficient treatment for patients with single-sided Menière’s disease.

Posterior Semicircular Canal Plugging Relieves Tumarkin’s Crisis in Ménière’s Disease Patients

“…Additionally, one case of cochlear implants being effective in relieving TC has been reported [ 28 ]. Recently, semicircular canal blocking was proposed as an effective means of managing refractory MD [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. The advantage of plugging is that, in most situations, it retains the remaining vestibular organs and auditory function.…”