Tinnitus severity and subjective Hearing Handicap after unilateral Cochlear-Implantation

Introduction 

Cochlear-Implantation (CI) primarily aims at improvement of speech perception and thereby quality of life for hearing impaired patients. In many cases hearing loss is accompanied by tinnitus, which might further increase the perceived handicap. This retrospective study evaluates the impact of tinnitus on adult cochlear-implant recipients.

Methods 

Data of 104 unilaterally implanted adult CI-patients was analyzed. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) and the Speech- Spatial- and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ 12) were used and compared with monosyllabic word recognition scores in quiet. The pure tone average of the non-implanted ear and the tinnitus severity were considered as additional independent variables with impact on the perceived quality of life. 

Results 

58 patients suffered from chronic tinnitus, 14 cases were decompensated according to the tinnitus questionnaire. At 65dB SPL median speech perception was 67,5%. Although most patients reported Tinnitus reduction when using the audio processor, average subjective hearing handicap was significantly higher in patients suffering from tinnitus. No significant influence of the individual speech perception or hearing threshold of the contralateral ear was found. 

Discussion 

In patients with decompensated tinnitus improvement of speech perception alone does not necessarily lead to an increase in quality of life. This should be considered during patient counseling prior to cochlear-implantation.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022