Incapacitating Unilateral Tinnitus in Single-Sided Deafness Treated by Cochlear Implantation

Abstract

Objectives: Tinnitus is a well-known, difficult-to-treat symptom of hearing loss. Users of cochlear implants (CIs) have reported a reduction in tinnitus following implantation for bilateral severe-to-profound deafness. This study assessed the effect of electrical stimulation via a CI on tinnitus in subjects with unilateral deafness and ipsilateral tinnitus who underwent implantation in an attempt to treat tinnitus with the CI. Methods: Twenty-one subjects who complained of severe intractable tinnitus that was unresponsive to treatment received a CI. Tinnitus loudness was measured with a Visual Analog Scale; loudness percepts were recorded with the device activated and deactivated. Tinnitus distress was measured with the Tinnitus Questionnaire before and after implantation. Results: Electrical stimulation via a CI resulted in a significant reduction in tinnitus loudness (mean ± SD; 1 year after implantation, 2.4 ± 1.8; 2 years after implantation, 2.5 ± 1.9; before implantation, 8.5 ± 1.3). With the device deactivated, tinnitus loudness was still reduced to between 6.1 and 7.0 over 24 months. The Tinnitus Questionnaire revealed a significant positive effect of CI stimulation. Conclusions: Unilateral tinnitus resulting from single-sided deafness can be treated with electrical stimulation via a CI. The outcomes of this pilot study demonstrate a new method for treatment of tinnitus in select subjects, perhaps an important new indication for cochlear implantation.