Tinnitus after cochlear implantation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the burden of tinnitus after cochlear implantation
IRAS ID
182320
Contact name
Padraig Kitterick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
Cochlear implants (CIs) are hearing devices that can restore hearing in patients with severe to profound deafness. Most candidates for CIs experience tinnitus - hearing sounds in the head or ears that have no external source. Relatively little is known about the burden tinnitus still creates after implantation. However, current evidence suggests that at least one in four patients report tinnitus intrusive enough to seek medical help.
Research studies showed that tinnitus could be suppressed, but mostly when the CI is switched on and stimulating. Soon after stimulation is turned off, tinnitus gets back to its original loudness, which can affect patient’s ability to enjoy quiet or sleep. On the other hand, adjusting CIs in laboratory to suppress tinnitus could trade off patient’s ability to understand speech. Theoretical studies and the experience of audiologists suggest that tinnitus can also make it more difficult to adjust the implant during routine clinic appointments. These difficulties can restrict the range of sound levels (from quietest to loudest) the patients can hear, and reduce their ability to understand speech.
This study will examine if, and in which areas, tinnitus is a real burden after cochlear implantation using a survey investigating impact of tinnitus on daily life, CI use and clinic appointments, which tinnitus treatments are appropriate and acceptable to CI users. A focus group with CI users will further characterise individual patient needs. Secondly, with patient’s permission, clinic appointment notes will be analysed for influence of tinnitus on CI adjustments and speech outcomes. Thirdly, a survey and focus groups with audiologists will assess the need and recommendations for changes in clinical practice in CI users with tinnitus. Study results will inform future research on developing and evaluating tinnitus management options that are appropriate and acceptable to CI recipients.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1386
Date of REC Opinion
4 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion