Influence of tinnitus annoyance on hearing-related quality of life in cochlear implant recipients

Abstract Among cochlear implant (CI) recipients, there is no consensus on the impact of tinnitus on hearing-related quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between hearing-related QoL measured by the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing questionnaire (SSQ12) and tinnitus annoyance or perceived change in tinnitus annoyance after cochlear implantation. The study sample consisted of 2322 implanted adults across France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Information relating to QoL, measured using the SSQ12, tinnitus annoyance and change in tinnitus annoyance, assessed using single-item questions, were collected one or more years post-implantation. The relationship between SSQ12 total score and tinnitus annoyance or change in tinnitus annoyance was analysed using linear models adjusted for age and unilateral versus bilateral implants. Tukey pairwise tests were used to compare tinnitus levels. Tinnitus prevalence was 33.9% post-implantation. This prevalence varied significantly with age. Recipients with tinnitus had a significantly lower SSQ12 score than recipients without tinnitus. The SSQ score varied significantly with tinnitus annoyance, age and unilateral versus bilateral implants. Overall, cochlear implant recipients who experienced less bothersome tinnitus showed better subjective hearing-related QoL. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the need to prioritise tinnitus management for CI recipients to optimize the benefit of CI.