The effect of tinnitus on hearing-related quality of life outcomes in adult cochlear implant recipients. (1st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Opperman, Elmien; le Roux, Talita; Masenge, Andries; Eikelboom, Robert H.
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 60:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 246
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01
• Subjects: Adult cochlear implantation -- cochlear implant -- quality of life -- tinnitus -- tinnitus distress; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1828633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To describe the effect of tinnitus distress on the hearing-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes over time in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Design: A retrospective, longitudinal study of adult CI recipients was conducted. Hearing-related QoL and tinnitus distress were assessed using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) preoperatively and at 6-months, 12-months and >24-month postoperatively. The association between tinnitus distress and hearing-related QoL outcomes over time was investigated. Furthermore, 13 potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables that influence hearing-related QoL outcomes over time. Study sample: The study sample included 210 adult (≥18 years) CI recipients implanted between 2001 and 2017. Results: Lower tinnitus distress and younger age at implantation were significant predictors of better hearing-related QoL in adult CI recipients. A significant reduction in tinnitus distress up to two years post-implantation was found, as well as greater tinnitus distress correlating with poorer hearing-related QoL outcomes. Conclusion: Tinnitus distress negatively affects the hearing-related QoL outcomes of adult CI recipients. Tinnitus distress and age at implantation were found to be significant predictors of hearing-related QoL when controlling for other predictive factors.