Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica : organo ufficiale della Società italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale
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Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital · Aug 2008
Case ReportsAir-collection behind the ear: a rare complication in cochlear implant surgery.
A rare case of cochlear implant surgery complication is described: air collection behind the ear. A 61-year-old male with a 20-year history of progressive bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss underwent cochlear implant surgery on the left ear with Clarion Hi-Res 90K (Advanced Bionics, Sylmar, CA, USA). Ten days after surgery, the patient presented visible tumefaction behind the ear corresponding to the receiver-stimulator. ⋯ An unusual case is described of a minor complication occurring in an adult cochlear implant patient presenting a swelling behind the ear that was found to be collected air. Although ultrasonography can be useful to evaluate localization of swelling behind the ear and to differentiate between liquid and solid collection, it is not useful for identification of air collection. The Eustachian tube test can show an abnormally patent tube and prevent this complication.