Relationship between intracochlear electrode position and tinnitus in cochlear implantees

Abstract

Conclusion: Cochlear implant electrode position has an impact on the rate of tinnitus suppression and generation. Objective: Suppression of pre-operative tinnitus or a generation of a new tinnitus in cochlear implantees is a known effect of cochlear implantation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate different cochlear implant electrode positions and their relationship with tinnitus suppression and tinnitus generation. Method: This study retrospectively evaluated four groups of CI recipients with radiologically evaluated electrode positions in relation to their subjective tinnitus quality, as evaluated by an analogue loudness scale (ALS) and a questionnaire. Group 1 consisted of 19 patients with a scalar change of the electrode position. Group 2 consisted of 18 patients with a scala tympani position and a perimodiolar electrode. Group 3 consisted of 10 patients with a scala tympani position and a lateral wall electrode. Group 4 consisted of eight patients with a scala vestibuli position. Results: An overall tinnitus suppression rate of 45.9% and a generation of a new tinnitus or the deterioration of an existing one of 5.6% were observed. A significant difference in tinnitus suppression was found between groups 1 and groups 2, 3, and 4 in tinnitus suppression and tinnitus generation.