Cochlear Implantation in Meniere's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Meniere's disease (MD) is a chronic inner ear disorder causing debilitating hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
• Current treatments for MD often provide limited relief, necessitating exploration of advanced surgical options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze outcomes of cochlear implantation (CoI) in patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease (MD).
• To evaluate the efficacy of CoI, with and without labyrinthectomy, in managing MD symptoms including hearing, vertigo, and tinnitus.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies identified through Medline and Embase databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on patients with MD undergoing CoI, assessing outcomes in speech recognition, audiometry, vertigo, tinnitus, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Analysis of 37 studies involving 216 MD patients revealed significant improvements in audiometric outcomes post-CoI.
• Statistically significant improvements were noted in speech recognition (Hearing in Noise Test, Freiburger Monosyllabic Test, Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant) and a significant reduction in tinnitus (Tinnitus Handicap Index).

Conclusions:

• Cochlear implantation (CoI), with or without labyrinthectomy, is a viable treatment for Meniere's disease (MD).
• This intervention effectively suppresses tinnitus and controls vertigo, with postoperative speech perception comparable to non-MD implant recipients.