Suppression of tinnitus in patients undergoing cochlear implantation

ABSTRACT

Tinnitus is a frequent complaint in patients with sensorineural deafness. Different reports suggest that electrical stimulation caused by cochlear implant devices supresses tinnitus to a considerable degree. In a longitudinal study we have evaluated the severity and duration of tinnitus in both ears of 17 cochlear implant patients before and after operation. Severity of tinnitus was reduced in both implanted and not implanted ears after the implantation [P = 0.003 and P = 0.004 respectively]. Duration of tinnitus, however, was not affected significantly. No significant difference in tinnitus suppression was observed between the implanted and not implanted ears. This might be attributed to both the electrical stimulation caused by the device and the psychogenic stability provided by return to the world of sound