Silicone allergy can lead to cochlear implant complication and explantation

Article in CI Journal

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Silicone allergy can lead to cochlear implant complication and explantation: a case report

Syed Ahsan

Case report
A 62-year-old man who underwent cochlear implantation for asymmetric hearing loss developed an allergic response to the implant within a few weeks of the surgery. This led to subsequent explantation. Patch testing using the various parts of the implant revealed a hypersensitive response to the silicone component of the receiver stimulator. There have only been 6 reported cases of cochlear implant explantation secondary to allergic reactions to cochlear implants. The inflammatory reaction has been to the silicone component of the cochlear implant found in the silicone used in Cochlear America’s implants.

Conclusion:
Although rare, it’s important to be aware of delayed hypersensitivity reactions to the silicone component of a cochlear implant. Attention should be made to associate symptoms such as pruritis, urticaria and loss of hair as symptoms and signs of possible allergic reaction to the implanted component. Steroids may help to alleviate symptoms; however, symptoms have been shown to recur after cessation of steroids. Treatment requires the removal of the device.

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