Tinnitus reduction in patients with single-sided deafness: the effect of cochlear implantation, bone conduction devices, and contralateral routing of sound hearing aids investigated in a randomized controlled trial

Anne W Wendrich ^1,2, Kelly K S Assouly ^1,2,3, Jan A A van Heteren ^1,2

⁰Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.

Frontiers in Neurology +

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August 7, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Cochlear implants (CI) and bone conduction devices (BCD) significantly reduced tinnitus in single-sided deafness (SSD) patients. CI offered the most substantial and stable tinnitus relief over 24 months.

Area Of Science

Audiology
Neurosurgery
Otolaryngology

Background

Single-sided deafness (SSD) frequently co-occurs with tinnitus, diminishing patients' quality of life.
Limited high-evidence studies compare treatments for SSD-related tinnitus reduction.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the efficacy of cochlear implants (CI), bone conduction devices (BCD), contralateral routing of sound (CROS), and no treatment on tinnitus in SSD patients.
To compare tinnitus outcomes across different treatment groups over a 24-month follow-up period.

Main Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 120 adult SSD patients.
Patients were assigned to CI, a trial of BCD/CROS, or no treatment.
Tinnitus impact was assessed using THI, TQ, VAS, and HADS at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Main Results

Both CI and BCD groups demonstrated significant reductions in tinnitus impact scores.
The CI group exhibited the most pronounced and consistent decrease in tinnitus, evident by 3 months.
Median THI, TQ, and VAS scores decreased substantially in the CI group by 24 months.

Conclusions

Cochlear implants (CI) and bone conduction devices (BCD) effectively reduce tinnitus in SSD patients over 24 months.
Cochlear implants show superiority over BCD, CROS, and no treatment for tinnitus resolution in SSD.
The study provides high-level evidence supporting CI as a primary treatment for SSD-related tinnitus.

Keywords:

bone conduction device contralateral routing of sound randomized controlled trial single-sided deafness tinnitus