Publication:

Cochlear implantation in Meniere’s disease: surgery and outcomes

Background Sensori-neural hearing loss (SNHL) can be bilateral in 30 to 50% of individuals with Meniere’s disease (MD). The incidence of severe to profound SNHL in MD ranges from 1 to 6%. These individuals are candidates for cochlear implantation (CI).

Methods A retrospective study of 12 patients with profound hearing loss due to Meniere’s disease was done between January 1998 till June 2018 in a tertiary ENT centre in Chennai, India. The patients experienced symptoms of Meniere’s disease for an average of 10 years before CI. All were postlingual candidates. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cochlear implantation in improving hearing and to assess the impact of CI on vertigo and tinnitus in patients with Meniere’s disease.

Results Significant hearing improvement with CI was noted in all patients. Resolution of vertigo and reduction of tinnitus was noted. There was no vestibular dysfunction due to CI. In one patient with disabling vertigo, labyrinthectomy combined with CI helped in complete resolution of vertiginous symptoms.

Conclusions Cochlear implantation is an established option for hearing habilitation in patients with Meniere’s disease, with good outcomes. In case there is disabling vertigo, combining labyrinthectomy with CI is recommended.