Electrical Suppression of Tinnitus via Cochlear Implants

Electrical suppression of tinnitus via a cochlear implant is a secondary benefit for many cochlear implant recipients. In this study, a sample of 78 adult cochlear implant users were surveyed. Data was compiled from 64 completed questionnaires. A high prevalence of preoperative tinnitus was documented in profoundly deaf adult cochlear implant users. Although only a few subjects reported that their tinnitus was totally eliminated after implantation, many users reported improvement or stabilization. Duration of tinnitus appeared to be a significant factor as all subjects who reported a significant improvement had less than a 20-year history of tinnitus.