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Xueying Goh

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Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and risks factors associated with electrode migration in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Design: Retrospective cohort study of all CIs performed between 1 January 2018-1 August 2021 in a single tertiary adult and paediatric cochlear implant centre in the UK. Main outcome measures: The primary aim is to determine the prevalence of electrode migration, based on comparing intraoperative surgeon report and results of a routine plain X-ray performed 2 weeks after surgery. Electrode migration is defined as the detection of movement of 2 or more electrodes out of the cochlea from time of surgery. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate risk factors including preoperative factors and intraoperative factors that might predispose to migration. Results: 465 patients, having 516 distinct surgery sessions, with 628 implants were analyzed. Electrode migration occurred in 11.5% of all implants. Pre-existing cochlear abnormality was an independent associated risk factor for electrode migration (OR:3.40<1.20-9.62> p=0.021). Demographics, surgical technique, usage of a precurved electrode, CSF leak, surgeon seniority and intraoperative telemetry did not influence risk of migration. There were 5 implants which migrated later than 2 weeks, median: 263days, for which head injury was a common precipitating factor. There was some difference between different lateral wall electrodes Conclusion: Electrode migration in the early postoperative period is a common occurrence and is more likely in implant recipients with obstructed or malformed cochleae. Keywords : Cochlear implants, Electrode migration, Risk factors, Cochlear abnormalities, Postoperative X-ray