Auditory Brainstem Implants

Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) are currently indicated for patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) tumors involving both vestibulocochlear nerves. The ABI helps bypass the damaged cochlear nerves and stimulates the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem directly thereby restoring auditory sensation. The implant is usually placed in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle after tumor resection. The indications for ABI have recently expanded onto even nontumoral cases, such as congenital bilateral cochlear nerve aplasia. In such cases, the ABI helps bypass the nonfunctioning hypoplastic or absent cochlear nerves and stimulates the cochlear nucleus directly thereby restoring auditory sensation. This article reviews the nuances of this sophisticated implant, shares our experience with auditory brainstem implantation and its current status in world literature.