Cochlear implant in the treatment of incapacitating unilateral tinnitus: case report

Several studies have shown that cochlear implants may reduce or even eliminate tinnitus in patients with bilateral profound hearing loss. However, there are not consistent references regarding ipsilateral tinnitus compared to unilateral profound hearing loss. The aim of this paper is to describe audiological results of a patient with asymmetrical hearing loss with incapacitating ipsilateral tinnitus in the ear subjected to cochlear implant surgery. Audiological exams and responses to perception protocols for tinnitus before and after surgery were analyzed. The tests showed improvements in the hearing threshold on the side with the implant, improvements in speech perception and a significant reduction in tinnitus perception, which consequently led to an improvement in the patient's quality of life.