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Acoustic neuroma surgery and tinnitus
Colm Fahy1, Thomas P Nikolopoulos, Gerard M O'Donoghue
1Skull Base Unit, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
Summary
Acoustic neuroma surgery outcomes for tinnitus are unpredictable. Neither tumor size nor patient age affects tinnitus post-surgery, which has minor impact on quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors on the vestibulocochlear nerve.
- Tinnitus is a common symptom in acoustic neuroma patients.
- Surgery for acoustic neuroma can impact tinnitus and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of acoustic neuroma surgery on tinnitus.
- To identify predictors of tinnitus changes after surgery, including tumor size and patient age.
- To assess the relationship between tinnitus status and overall quality of life post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory was administered to 51 patients 1-3 years post-surgery.
- Tinnitus severity was assessed using a standardized four-grade functional scale.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman Rank Correlations.
Main Results:
- Preoperative tinnitus affected 58.8% of patients, increasing to 66.6% postoperatively.
- Post-surgery, 16% reported tinnitus improvement, 55% no change, and 29% worsening.
- Tumor size and patient age did not significantly correlate with tinnitus changes; no significant link was found between tinnitus changes and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Acoustic neuroma surgery outcomes for tinnitus are unpredictable, with no clear correlation to tumor size or patient age.
- Tinnitus appears to have a minor impact on the overall quality of life following acoustic neuroma surgery.
- Patients should be counseled on the potential for tinnitus changes after acoustic neuroma surgery.