SCIENCE UPDATE

New scientific studies summarized for you

Does Cochlear Implantation affect Tinnitus?

(Original title: The Long-Term Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Li Y et al, Diagnostics, 2024)

Take Home Message:

Cochlear implantation is beneficial for improving tinnitus in patients with severe-profound hearing loss. It is particularly effective in reducing subjective tinnitus severity, distress annoyance as well as the negative effects of tinnitus on quality of life. However, the long-term effects may decrease over time.

Background:

Severe tinnitus significantly affects the quality of life of people living with it. Multiple factors contribute to tinnitus, one of the main risk factors being hearing loss. Research has shown a high suppression rate of cochlear implants on tinnitus.

Method:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until April 30, 2024.
• 28  studies were included, presenting comparative pre- and postoperative data for 853 patients with tinnitus who underwent cochlear implantation.
• Outcomes measured were Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) measuring subjective tinnitus severity, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), mark the degree patients perceived tinnitus annoyance, loudness, effect on life, and awareness of tinnitus, and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), indicating the severity levels of distress.

Results:

• THI: Mean difference (MD) -14.02 àsignificant decline in subjective tinnitus severity
• TQ: MD -15.85 à significant decline in perceived severity level of distress
• VAS: MD -3.12 –> significant decline in tinnitus annoyance, awareness, loudness and negative impact on quality of life
• CI significantly reduces tinnitus scores; however, the effect may decrease over time.

Conclusion:

Cochlear implantation can be beneficial for improving tinnitus in patients with severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss. It is particularly effective in reducing scores on THI, TQ, and VAS. While the positive impact on tinnitus symptoms is significant, the effectiveness may diminish over longer follow-up periods. Further research is necessary to confirm long-term benefits and understand the variability in results.

Read the full version of this paper (free access) here: The Long-Term Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – PMC