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Tinnitus, cochlear implants and how they affect patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

R. Demajumdar
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
R. Stoddart
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
I. Donaldson
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
D.W. Proops*
Affiliation:
Midland Cochlear Implant Programme, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr David W. Proops, Consultant ENT Surgeon, Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH.

Abstract

The relationship between tinnitus and cochlear implantation is an important issue that needs to be established because it may affect implant use. In this study 99 patients over 15 years of age completed pre-and post-cochlear implantation questionnaires, and underwent performance testing. The findings show that after implantation, there was marked suppression of tinnitus in both implanted and contralateral ears whilst the implant was off, and this was further enhanced when the implant was switched on. These effects are probably a combination of local and central factors. Presence of tinnitus, before or after implantation, had no detrimental effects on performance.

In conclusion, providing all other factors permit, this study recommends implanting the ear with the worst tinnitus.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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