Section: 
Otiology
OtiologyRehabilitation experience with auditory brainstem implantation
Kh. M. A. Diab (1), A. S. Machalov (2), A. V. Balakina (3), A. O. Kuznetsov (4), M. V. Grebenyuk (5), Ya. M. Sapozhnikov (6)
(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology, Federal Medico-Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation, (2), (4) Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117513, Russian Federation, (2), (5) Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, 125993, Russian Federation
UDK: УДК 616.833.18-089.843:616.28-008.14-072.7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2025-5-86-93
ABSTRACT
Abstract. Auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are a promising method for auditory rehabilitation in patients with retrocochlear deafness caused by cochlear or auditory nerve pathology. This article presents the outcomes of ABI application performed at the National Medical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngology in two adult patients with non-neoplastic hearing loss. The Mi1200 SYNCHRONY ABI System (MedEl, Austria) was implanted via a retrosigmoid approach. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded to verify electrode placement. In a 64-year-old patient with previous unsuccessful cochlear implantation, CAP (Categories of Auditory Performance) level 6 was achieved (understanding phrases without lip-reading). A 45-year-old female patient experienced postoperative complications (vertebrobasilar stroke), with auditory sensations obtained on 4 out of 12 electrodes, reaching CAP level 3 (speech detection). The results confirm that rehabilitation success depends on precise electrode positioning, the number of active channels, and patient motivation. Despite risks, ABIs remain the only method for hearing restoration in retrocochlear pathology.
Publication date:
20.10.2025
Keywords:
auditory brainstem implantation, retrocochlear deafness, auditory rehabilitation, electrically evoked auditory potentials For citation:
Diab Kh. M. A., Machalov A. S., Balakina A. V., Kuznetsov A. O., Grebenyuk M. V., Sapozhnikov Ya. M. Rehabilitation experience with auditory brainstem implantation. Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2025;24(5):86-93. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2025-5-86-93