Cochlear implantation and tinnitus: systematic review and meta-analysis

Record details

Authors: Li Y, Yang H, Niu X, Sun Y
Journal / source: Diagnostics (2024)
Design: Meta-analysis of mostly prospective cohort studies
Sample: 853 (28 studies)
Primary endpoint: THI, TQ, tinnitus VAS (0–10)
Randomized: No · Sham/placebo-controlled: No · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes

What this research found

Pooled within-group improvements after implantation: THI −14.0, TQ −15.9, tinnitus VAS −3.1. Note: the pooled VAS mixes annoyance, loudness, life-effect and awareness bands — it is NOT a pure loudness scale. The percept-level ranges come from Ramakers et al. (Laryngoscope 2015): tinnitus decreases in 25–72% and is completely suppressed in 8–45% of implanted patients — while 0–25% experience worsening.

Also reported: ~9.2% new-onset tinnitus after implantation (Assouly, cited therein). All pooled changes are pre/post within-group in non-randomized cohorts.

Limitations and conflicts of interest

Observational data; implant candidates only; VAS is a mixed tinnitus scale.

Funding / conflicts: Independent.

Primary sources

Used as evidence for

Cochlear implants (for qualifying hearing loss)

This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.