Tinnitus in the profoundly hearing-impaired and the effects of cochlear implants

Journal/Book: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1995; 104: 4507 Laclede Ave, St Louis, MO 63108. Annals Publ Co. 25-30.

Abstract: Of the 82 adult patients implanted in the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program 304, 22 patients (27%) reported a bothersome tinnitus preoperatively. The tinnitus handicap experienced preoperatively in this profoundly deaf population is greater than that reported by mildly to severely hearing-impaired patients. The magnitude of their handicap was not correlated with age or preoperative hearing loss. After 2 years of cochlear implant use, a reduction in the tinnitus handicap was reported in 9, and an increase was noted in 3 of the 22 patients. In addition, 3 patients experienced a ''severe'' tinnitus 2 years after receiving a cochlear implant, whereas they had not reported a ''bothersome'' tinnitus preoperatively. One patient reported a tinnitus immediately after the surgery, but it subsided with in a few days.

Note: Article RS Tyler, Univ Iowa, Dept Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA

Keyword(s): cochlear implant; profound deafness; tinnitus

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