Detection accuracy of soft tissue complications during remote cochlear implant follow-up

Purpose After cochlear implantation (CI), long-term follow-up is obligatory. Remote-care options which provide a standard of care comparable to in-person consultations, could be an attractive addition to a cochlear implant centre's portfolio. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of photographs of the skin covering the implant to reliably detect skin irritations or soft tissue complications. Methods During routine follow-up consultations, 109 CI patients were examined in person and asked to take a photograph of the skin covering the implant using their smartphones. Photographs were digitally and remotely evaluated by two CI physicians who were blinded to the findings during the in-person examination. Results In nine cases, skin abnormalities were detected by the CI physician upon in-person examination, seven of which required immediate treatment. Both digital evaluators reliably detected all treatment-requiring conditions. Overall, more skin irritations were suspected digitally compared to in-person examination. Without additional information from the patients' medical record, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 63%; with additional information provided, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity increased to 65.3%. Conclusion Digital photographic assessment of the skin covering the implant is a highly sensitive method to detect skin irritations and could reduce the number of necessary in-person consultations.