The effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus in patients with bilateral hearing loss: A systematic review.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To present an overview of the effect of cochlear implantation on tinnitus in adults with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase databases were searched for articles from database inception up to January 13, 2015.

METHODS:

A systematic search was conducted. Original studies reporting on cochlear implantation and the effect on tinnitus, measured with a tinnitus questionnaire, were included. The directness of evidence and risk of bias were assessed. Studies with a moderate or high directness of evidence and a low or moderate risk of bias were included for analysis. The pre- and postimplantation tinnitus scores were extracted.

RESULTS:

In total, 786 unique articles were retrieved. Although there was lack of high level of evidence studies, 10 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. Overall, there was a reduction of mean tinnitus score. There was a decrease in tinnitus score in 25% to 72%, and a total suppression of tinnitus after implantation was reported in 8% to 45% of patients. Tinnitus was stable in 0% to 36% of patients, and increase of tinnitus occurred in 0% to 25%. Tinnitus induction rates in the patients without preoperative tinnitus varied from 0% to 10%.

CONCLUSIONS:

There are no high level of evidence studies concerning cochlear implantation and the effect on tinnitus. Overall, current literature shows that there is a decrease of mean tinnitus questionnaire score after unilateral cochlear implantation. However, there is also a chance of increasing burden of existing tinnitus, and the induction of tinnitus is reported.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

NA.

• Authors: Geerte G J Ramakers, Alice van Zon, Inge Stegeman, Wilko Grolman
• Journal: The Laryngoscope (Laryngoscope) Vol. 125 Issue 11 Pg. 2584-92 (Nov 2015) ISSN: 1531-4995 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26153087 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Topics

• Adult
• Cochlear Implantation
• Cochlear Implants
• Hearing Loss, Bilateral
• Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
• Humans
• Tinnitus (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome