Speech perception and hearing preservation after cochlear implantation in patients with Meniere’s disease

Abstract

Introduction: Cochlear implantation can be used as a treatment for severe sensorineural hearing loss in patients with Meniere’s disease. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate speech perception and the grade of hearing preservation in patients diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. One additional aim was to investigate the effects of cochlear implant surgery on balance and tinnitus. Methods: Adult patients with a known diagnosis of Meniere’s disease were evaluated. Their speech perception and the degree of hearing preservation were compared with adult patients with sensorineural hearing loss of different etiologies. For the patients with Meniere’s disease, their subjective reports on balance and tinnitus pre- and post-surgery were also investigated. Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in speech perception after cochlear implantation (p