The Long-Term Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review investigates the long-term effect of cochlear implantation (CI) on clinical outcomes in tinnitus patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Database Sources: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 30 April 2024. Manual searches of reference lists supplemented these searches when necessary. Review Methods: Original studies included in the meta-analysis had to contain comparative pre- and postoperative data for SNHL patients who underwent CI. Outcomes measured were the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). Results: A total of 28 studies comprising 853 patients showed significant tinnitus improvement after CI: THI mean difference (MD) −14.02 [95%CI −15.29 to −12.76, p < 0.001], TQ MD −15.85 [95%CI −18.97 to −12.74, p < 0.05], and VAS MD −3.12 [95%CI −3.49 to −2.76, p < 0.05]. Subgroup analysis indicated a significant difference between follow-up periods in THI (p < 0.0001) and VAS loudness (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Cochlear implantation substantially improves tinnitus in patients with hearing loss, though the effect may diminish over time. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.