Long-term outcome of patients with Ménière’s disease following cochlear implantation: a comprehensive outcome study with validated assessment tools

Patients suffering from Ménière’s disease (MD) experience vertigo, and impairments in hearing and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to investigate the impact of cochlear implantation (CI) on various aspects affecting patients with MD.

A single tertiary centre’s CI database for CI recipients with MD between 2014 and 2022 was screened retrospectively. Hearing, vertigo, tinnitus symptoms, and hearing-related QoL were assessed. Pre- and postoperative hearing tests in conjunction with subjective outcome measures by visual analogue scale (VAS) and validated tools such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), as well as the assessment of the pre- and postoperative Functional Level Scale (FLS) were examined.

Eleven ears were included (median age: 59 years at implantation). Following implantation, there was a significant enhancement in Word Recognition Scores at sound levels of 65 dB and 80 dB compared to before treatment (preop vs. 12 months postop: p = 0.012). However, no significant enhancement was observed for 50 dB. MD-related impairments improved significantly postoperatively, as measured by the VAS (vertigo: p = 0.017; tinnitus: p = 0.042), DHI (p = 0.043), THI (p = 0.043) and NCIQ (p < 0.001). The FLS improved significantly (p = 0.020).

CI has positive effects on all areas examined in our cohort. However, discrimination of speech at low sound pressure levels remained problematic postoperatively. In patients suffering from MD, the prioritized treatment goals include not only improved hearing but also the rehabilitation of vertigo and tinnitus, as well as the enhancement of QoL. Validated instruments are useful screening tools.