Background: Cochlear implants are biocompatible and have low complication rates. However, there is an inflammatory response after electrode implantation into the cochlea. The tissue response to CI is divided into two phases: Immediate or acute and delayed. The acute response is because of trauma throughout electrode insertion, potentially damaging the osseous spiral lamina, lateral wall, stria vascularis, basilar membrane, or disrupting cochlear fluids.
Objective: This review article threw the light on Intracochlear tissue response after cochlear implantation.
Methods: We searched Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and other online databases for Intracochlear Tissue Responses andCochlear Implantation. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature, however only the most recent or comprehensive studies from 2006 to 2022 were included. Documents in languages other than English were disqualified due to lack of translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations that were not part of larger scientific studies were excluded.
Conclusion: The protracted phase of the inflammatory reaction arises from the host-mediated FBR (Foreign body response) in the cochlea, initiated by the rapid adsorption of plasma proteins onto the surface of biomaterial, leading to the provisional matrix formation rich in pro-inflammatory cytokines & developmental factors. In an animal study, interlukine-6, interlukine-1β, NOS2, and TNF-α significantly enhanced in the first day after cochleostomy and sustained for three days. The acute stage of the response incorporates the invasion of neutrophils and mast cells, subsequently evolving into a chronic inflammatory reaction.