Pediatric Auditory Brainstem Implant Surgery

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) provide auditory perception in patients with profound hearing loss who are not candidates for the cochlear implant (Cl) because of anatomic constraints or failed CI surgery. Herein, the authors discuss (1) preoperative evaluation of pediatric ABI candidates, (2) surgical approaches, and (3) contemporary ABI devices and their use in the pediatric population. The authors also review the surgical and audiologic outcomes following pediatric ABI surgery. The authors' institutional experience and the nearly 200 cases performed in Europe and the United States indicate that ABI surgery in children can be safe and effective.