Change of the Tinnitus after Neurotological Surgery / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is a common and often very disturbing symptom. Current tinnitus treatment strategies emphasize multimodality therapy, including masking, pharmacological, and psychological treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the change in the tinnitus symptoms following a neurotological surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A total of one hundred thirty one patients who visited the tinnitus clinic of Severance Hospital complaining of severe tinnitus between 1988 and 2002 were included in this study. They were all performed surgical procedures: there were 80 cases of chemical labyrinthectomy, 38 cases of cochlear implant, 11 cases of vestibular neurectomy, and 2 cases of cochlear neurectomy. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the tinnitus intensity: in cochlear implant, 82% were improved; in chemical labyrinthectomy, 44% were improved; in vestibular neurectomy, 91% were improved, and all cases of cochlear neurectomy were improved. CONCLUSION: Surgical procedures such as cochlear implant, chemical labyrinthectomy, vestibular neurectomy are effective modalities in the management of severe tinnitus within limited situation.