Objectives: Manufacturers have introduced cochlear implants (CIs) with removable magnets to allow for magnetic resonance imaging after placement. The purpose of this study was to describe magnet displacement as a new CI complication and to suggest a possible treatment option to prevent its recurrence.
Study design: Retrospective case series.
Methods: The records of 3 young males who experienced CI magnet dislodgement were reviewed and compared against records from the institutional implant database.
Results: Magnet displacement was observed only in young males (14% of male children) who received CI with removable magnets. This occurred 13-14 months after CI placement. Magnets were replaced under general anesthesia, and the scalp was bolstered with a dermal allograft. Recurrent magnet dislodgement was encountered in 1 patient, 6 months later.
Conclusions: Magnet displacement may be a relatively common complication after minor head trauma in pediatric patients with certain CIs that have removable magnets.