This retrospective review firstly reminds us that a cochlear implant (CI) is possible with Ménière’s disease (MD) and provides a good account of what can be expected with a CI in patients with MD. Twenty MD patients who underwent cochlear implantation were matched (as well as could be expected) with controls having had similar types of CI. The results demonstrated equivalent hearing performance at one year post implant. Tinnitus was significantly reduced in MD patients. Unfortunately, ongoing dizziness in the MD group affected the overall quality of life (QoL) outcome (SF-36 questionnaire), but was nonetheless significantly improved from preoperatively. We are reminded that vertigo is the most disabling of symptoms for most of our otology patients. Control patients had a greater QoL outcome. MD patients must be warned of the risk of oscillopsia if the ear with the only remaining vestibular function is to be implanted; however it is very infrequent and should not be a contraindication state the authors. This is debatable in my view.
Cochlear implants in Ménière’s disease
Reviewed by Anand Kasbekar
Cochlear implantation in patients with advanced Ménière’s disease.
CONTRIBUTOR
Anand Kasbekar
BMedSci, DOHNS, FRCS (ORL-HNS), DM, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; Associate, The University of Nottingham; Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK.
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