Displacement of a Cochlear Implant Magnet – A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Cochlear implants are currently the standard of care in the treatment of profound and severe sensorineural hearing loss. However, their presence carries a risk of complications during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including magnet displacement. Case report: This paper presents the case of a 48-year-old patient with an Advanced Bionics HiRes 90 cochlear implant who experienced magnet displacement following a 1.5 Tesla lumbar spine MRI, despite adherence to recommended safety precautions. Clinical symptoms included sudden pain and elevation of the skin over the implant site. Computed tomography confirmed extrusion of the magnet from the implant housing. Surgical repositioning was planned; however, spontaneous repositioning of the magnet to its correct anatomical location occurred later the same day during mastication, as confirmed by radiographic imaging. The patient avoided surgical intervention, and no recurrence of magnet displacement or skin thinning was observed during several months of follow-up. Conclusions: This case, together with a review of the literature, highlights the importance of awareness regarding MRI-related complications in cochlear implant users, the necessity of adhering to manufacturer guidelines, and the critical role of close collaboration between radiologists and otolaryngologists. Modern implant systems equipped with rotatable magnets significantly reduce the risk of displacement.