Cochlear Implantation — MCQs
To distinguish between cochlear and post-cochlear damage, which test is done?
Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment for rehabilitation of a patient, who has bilateral profound deafness following surgery for bilateral acoustic schwannoma?
Arrange the following in the sequence of auditory pathway: 1. Cochlear nucleus 2. Spiral ganglion 3. Superior olivary nucleus 4. Inferior colliculus 5. Medial geniculate body
A child aged 3 yrs, presented with severe sensorineural deafness was prescribed hearing aids, but showed no improvement. What is the next line of management:
Site for placing an electrode in auditory brain stem implant is?
Electrode of cochlear implant is placed in:
Which device is depicted below?
Identify the device shown in the image below:
Which of the following devices typically requires the most stringent safety protocols before MRI scanning?
Meniere's disease is characterized by which triad of symptoms?
Cochlear Implantation Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: To distinguish between cochlear and post-cochlear damage, which test is done?
- A. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) (Correct Answer)
- B. Impedance audiometry
- C. Pure tone audiometry
- D. Electrocochleography (ECochG)
Explanation: ***Auditory brainstem response (ABR)*** - This test evaluates the integrity of the **auditory pathway from the cochlea through the brainstem**, making it excellent for differentiating between cochlear (sensory) and post-cochlear (retrocochlear/neural) lesions. - Abnormalities in wave latencies or interpeak intervals suggest **retrocochlear pathology** (e.g., acoustic neuroma), while normal ABR responses despite hearing loss point towards cochlear damage. - ABR records **five characteristic waves (I-V)** representing neural transmission from the auditory nerve through the brainstem. *Impedance audiometry* - Primarily assesses the **middle ear function**, including the eardrum and ossicles, by measuring **tympanic membrane compliance** and **acoustic reflexes**. - It does not directly evaluate the function of the **cochlea or the retrocochlear pathways**, making it unsuitable for this differentiation. *Pure tone audiometry* - Measures a person's **hearing sensitivity** at different frequencies and provides information on the **degree and type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed)**. - While it identifies sensorineural hearing loss, it cannot pinpoint whether the damage is **cochlear or retrocochlear** within the sensorineural category. *Electrocochleography (ECochG)* - Records **electrical potentials generated by the cochlea and auditory nerve** in response to sound, including **cochlear microphonics, summating potentials, and compound action potentials**. - While it evaluates cochlear function and is useful in diagnosing **Meniere's disease** and **auditory neuropathy**, it does not adequately assess the **integrity of the brainstem auditory pathways** needed to differentiate retrocochlear lesions.
Question 2: Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment for rehabilitation of a patient, who has bilateral profound deafness following surgery for bilateral acoustic schwannoma?
- A. Bilateral cochlear implant
- B. Unilateral cochlear implant
- C. Brainstem implant (Correct Answer)
- D. Bilateral high powered digital hearing aid
Explanation: ***Brainstem implant*** - A **brainstem implant** is the most appropriate treatment when the auditory nerve has been damaged or destroyed, as can occur during bilateral acoustic schwannoma surgery. - This device bypasses the cochlea and auditory nerve by directly stimulating the **cochlear nucleus** in the brainstem, allowing sound perception. *Bilateral cochlear implant* - A **cochlear implant** requires an intact auditory nerve to transmit signals from the cochlea to the brain. - In this scenario, bilateral profound deafness post-surgery for acoustic schwannoma often implies damage to both **auditory nerves**, rendering cochlear implants ineffective. *Unilateral cochlear implant* - Similar to a bilateral cochlear implant, a **unilateral cochlear implant** relies on the functionality of at least one auditory nerve. - Since the patient has **bilateral profound deafness** following bilateral surgery, the auditory nerves are likely compromised on both sides, making even a unilateral implant unsuitable. *Bilateral high powered digital hearing aid* - Hearing aids amplify sound and rely on the presence of residual hair cell function in the **cochlea** and an intact auditory pathway. - Profound deafness indicates severe damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, which hearing aids cannot overcome as they only provide *amplification*, not direct neural stimulation.
Question 3: Arrange the following in the sequence of auditory pathway: 1. Cochlear nucleus 2. Spiral ganglion 3. Superior olivary nucleus 4. Inferior colliculus 5. Medial geniculate body
- A. 5-4-3-2-1
- B. 3-4-5-1-2
- C. 2-1-3-4-5 (Correct Answer)
- D. 1-2-3-4-5
Explanation: ***2-1-3-4-5*** - The auditory pathway begins with the **spiral ganglion**, which contains the cell bodies of the first-order neurons that innervate the hair cells of the cochlea. - Signals then proceed to the **cochlear nucleus** in the brainstem, followed by the **superior olivary nucleus**, the **inferior colliculus**, and finally the **medial geniculate body** in the thalamus before reaching the auditory cortex [1]. *5-4-3-2-1* - This sequence represents a nearly reverse order of the ascending auditory pathway, starting from a higher processing center (medial geniculate body) and moving backward, which is incorrect for sensory input. - The **medial geniculate body** is the thalamic relay for auditory information, receiving input from lower centers and projecting to the auditory cortex [1]. *3-4-5-1-2* - This sequence incorrectly places the **superior olivary nucleus** as the initial processing stage, preceding the lower-level **spiral ganglion** and **cochlear nucleus**. - Auditory information must first be transduced by hair cells and then relayed by the spiral ganglion neurons to the cochlear nucleus before further processing in the olivary complex. *1-2-3-4-5* - This sequence incorrectly places the **cochlear nucleus** before the **spiral ganglion**. - The **spiral ganglion** contains the primary afferent neurons that receive input from the hair cells and project their axons to the cochlear nucleus.
Question 4: A child aged 3 yrs, presented with severe sensorineural deafness was prescribed hearing aids, but showed no improvement. What is the next line of management:
- A. Conservative
- B. Fenestration surgery
- C. Stapes mobilisation
- D. Cochlear implant (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Cochlear implant*** - For **severe sensorineural deafness** where conventional hearing aids provide no benefit, a cochlear implant is the most effective next step for restoring hearing. - A cochlear implant directly stimulates the **auditory nerve**, bypassing damaged hair cells in the cochlea, which is crucial for severe sensorineural hearing loss. - In children aged **12 months to 5 years**, early cochlear implantation is critical for optimal **speech and language development**. *Conservative* - This typically refers to observation or non-invasive treatments like hearing aids, which have already failed in this case. - Continuing a conservative approach would delay effective intervention for severe deafness, potentially impacting the child's **speech and language development**. *Fenestration surgery* - This is a surgical procedure primarily used for some types of **conductive hearing loss**, especially **otosclerosis**, by creating an opening in the bony labyrinth. - It is not indicated for **sensorineural deafness**, as the problem lies with the inner ear or auditory nerve, not the sound conduction pathway. *Stapes mobilisation* - This procedure aims to restore mobility to the **stapes bone** in cases of **otosclerosis**, a form of conductive hearing loss where the stapes becomes fixed. - It is not appropriate for **sensorineural hearing loss**, where the primary issue is damage to the inner ear's sensory cells or the auditory nerve.
Question 5: Site for placing an electrode in auditory brain stem implant is?
- A. Round window
- B. Sinus tympani
- C. Lateral ventricle
- D. Recess of fourth ventricle (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Recess of fourth ventricle*** - The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) electrode arrays are typically placed on the surface of the **cochlear nucleus**, which lies in the **lateral recess of the fourth ventricle and cerebellopontine angle**. - This placement allows direct stimulation of the central auditory pathways, bypassing a damaged or absent auditory nerve. *Round window* - The round window is the site for electrode placement in a **cochlear implant**, not an auditory brainstem implant. - A cochlear implant stimulates the **auditory nerve terminals** within the cochlea. *Sinus tympani* - The sinus tympani is an **anatomical space** within the middle ear. - It is not a site for implant electrode placement for either cochlear or brainstem implants. *Lateral ventricle* - The lateral ventricles are spaces within the brain that contain **cerebrospinal fluid** and are not directly involved in the auditory pathway for implant stimulation. - Implants for hearing are generally directed towards the auditory neural structures.
Question 6: Electrode of cochlear implant is placed in:
- A. Horizontal semicircular canal
- B. Scala media
- C. Scala tympani (Correct Answer)
- D. Scala vestibuli
Explanation: ***Scala tympani*** - The electrode array of a **cochlear implant** is carefully inserted into the **scala tympani** of the cochlea. - This placement allows the electrodes to directly stimulate the **spiral ganglion neurons**, bypassing damaged hair cells and transmitting electrical signals to the auditory nerve. *Horizontal semicircular canal* - The **horizontal semicircular canal** is part of the **vestibular system**, responsible for sensing angular head movements, not hearing. - Placing an electrode here would cause **vestibular dysfunction** and would not restore hearing. *Scala media* - The **scala media** (cochlear duct) contains the **organ of Corti** and **endolymph**, which has a high potassium concentration. - Inserting an electrode here would damage the delicate structures essential for natural sound transduction and could lead to electric potential imbalances. *Scala vestibuli* - The **scala vestibuli** is filled with **perilymph** and receives sound vibrations from the stapes. - While it's adjacent to the scala tympani, the **scala tympani** offers a safer and more direct path for optimal electrode insertion with less trauma to the sensory structures.
Question 7: Which device is depicted below?
- A. Cochlear implant (Correct Answer)
- B. Auditory brainstem implant (ABI)
- C. Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
- D. Hearing aid
Explanation: ***Cochlear implant*** - A cochlear implant is an **electronic medical device that replaces the function of a damaged inner ear (cochlea)** and provides sound signals directly to the brain - On imaging (X-ray, CT, or skull radiograph), it appears as a **characteristic circular receiver-stimulator device** under the skin behind the ear with an **electrode array extending into the cochlea** - The **internal receiver has a distinctive appearance** with visible magnets and electrode contacts, making it easily identifiable on radiographic images - Used for patients with **severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss** who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids *Auditory brainstem implant (ABI)* - An ABI **bypasses both the cochlea and auditory nerve**, directly stimulating the **cochlear nucleus in the brainstem** - On imaging, the electrode array would be located at the **cerebellopontine angle** near the brainstem, not in the cochlea - Reserved for patients with **absent or non-functional auditory nerves** (e.g., bilateral vestibular schwannomas, neurofibromatosis type 2) *Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)* - A BAHA consists of a **titanium implant osseointegrated into the skull bone** behind the ear with an external sound processor - On X-ray, only the **small titanium fixture/abutment** would be visible in the mastoid bone, without any cochlear or intracranial components - Works by **bone conduction**, transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear - Used for **conductive hearing loss, mixed hearing loss, or single-sided deafness** *Hearing aid* - A conventional hearing aid is a **completely external electronic device** that amplifies sound - It would **not be visible on X-ray or CT imaging** as it contains no implanted components - Simply amplifies sound for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
Question 8: Identify the device shown in the image below:
- A. Cochlear implant (Correct Answer)
- B. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- C. Vagus nerve stimulation
- D. Deep brain stimulation
Explanation: ***Cochlear implant*** - The image displays the external components of a **cochlear implant**: a **speech processor** worn behind the ear connected to an external transmitter that sends signals to an implanted receiver. - This device is designed to provide a sense of sound to individuals with **severe-to-profound hearing loss** by directly stimulating the auditory nerve. *Transcranial magnetic stimulation* - This therapy involves a **coil placed on the scalp** that delivers magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, typically for depression or migraines. - It does not involve ear-worn components or internal surgical implants of the type seen in the image. *Vagus nerve stimulation* - This involves a device surgically implanted under the skin in the chest, with wires connected to the **vagus nerve** in the neck. - It is used to treat epilepsy and depression and does not have external components positioned around the ear or on the head as depicted. *Deep brain stimulation* - This neurosurgical procedure involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain, connected to a pulse generator (similar to a pacemaker) implanted in the chest. - It is primarily used for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and does not feature external ear-worn components visible in the image.
Question 9: Which of the following devices typically requires the most stringent safety protocols before MRI scanning?
- A. Prosthetic cardiac valves
- B. Insulin pump
- C. Cochlear implants
- D. Automatic Cardioverter-defibrillators (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Automatic Cardioverter-defibrillators*** - **Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)**, while increasingly MRI-conditional, require stringent protocols due to potential for **heating, lead damage, and inappropriate pacing/shocks**. - Detailed device interrogation, programming to asynchronous modes or MRI mode, and continuous monitoring are often required to mitigate risks and ensure patient safety. *Prosthetic cardiac valves* - Most modern **prosthetic cardiac valves** (both mechanical and bioprosthetic) are **MRI-conditional** or **MRI-safe** and generally do not pose significant risks. - They are typically made of non-ferromagnetic materials, reducing concerns about displacement or heating. *Insulin pump* - External insulin pumps are generally considered **MR-unsafe** and must be **removed from the patient** before entering the MRI scan room. - While removal is a safety protocol, they don't involve complex internal electronic interactions in the same way an implanted ICD does, making their protocol simpler (remove and resume). *Cochlear implants* - Many **cochlear implants** are now **MRI-conditional**, but they often require specific protocols such as removing the external processor and sometimes applying a head bandage to secure the implant. - Older models or certain configurations may still be considered MR-unsafe due to potential for magnet displacement or device damage.
Question 10: Meniere's disease is characterized by which triad of symptoms?
- A. Conductive hearing loss and tinnitus
- B. Vertigo, ear discharge, tinnitus, and headache
- C. Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and headache
- D. Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Explanation** Meniere’s disease (Endolymphatic Hydrops) is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by an abnormal accumulation of endolymph within the membranous labyrinth. The classic clinical triad consists of: 1. **Episodic Vertigo:** Sudden, rotatory vertigo lasting 20 minutes to several hours, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 2. **Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL):** Characteristically fluctuating and low-frequency in the early stages. 3. **Tinnitus:** Often described as a low-pitched "roaring" or "seashell" sound. *(Note: Many authorities include a fourth symptom—**Aural Fullness**—making it a tetrad).* **Analysis of Options:** * **Option A:** Incorrect. Meniere’s causes **Sensorineural** hearing loss, not conductive. Conductive loss suggests pathology in the external or middle ear (e.g., ASOM, Otosclerosis). * **Option B:** Incorrect. **Ear discharge (Otorrhea)** is a hallmark of middle ear infections (CSOM) and is never seen in Meniere’s, which is an inner ear pathology with an intact tympanic membrane. * **Option C:** Incorrect. While headache can occur, it is not a defining component of the diagnostic triad. Its presence might instead suggest Vestibular Migraine. * **Option D:** **Correct.** This captures the classic diagnostic triad essential for NEET-PG. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Pathology:** Distension of the endolymphatic system (Reissner’s membrane bulges into the scala vestibuli). * **Lermoyez Syndrome:** A variant where hearing improves during a vertigo attack ("the phenomenon of reverse symptoms"). * **Tuning Fork Tests:** Rinne positive (SNHL) and Weber lateralized to the better ear. * **Audiometry:** Shows a "rising curve" in early stages (low-frequency loss). * **Glycerol Test:** Used for diagnosis; oral glycerol (osmotic diuretic) temporarily improves hearing by reducing endolymphatic pressure. * **Management:** Low salt diet, Betahistine (drug of choice), and diuretics. Intratympanic Gentamicin is used for refractory cases.
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free