Elmien Opperman1, Talita le Roux1, Andries Masenge2, Robert H Eikelboom1,3,4. 1. Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa. 2. Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa. 3. Ear Science Institute Australia, Subiaco, Australia. 4. Ear Sciences Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of tinnitus distress on the hearing-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes over time in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. DESIGN: A retrospective, longitudinal study of adult CI recipients was conducted. Hearing-related QoL and tinnitus distress were assessed using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) preoperatively and at 6-months, 12-months and >24-month postoperatively. The association between tinnitus distress and hearing-related QoL outcomes over time was investigated. Furthermore, 13 potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables that influence hearing-related QoL outcomes over time. STUDY SAMPLE: The study sample included 210 adult (≥18 years) CI recipients implanted between 2001 and 2017. RESULTS: Lower tinnitus distress and younger age at implantation were significant predictors of better hearing-related QoL in adult CI recipients. A significant reduction in tinnitus distress up to two years post-implantation was found, as well as greater tinnitus distress correlating with poorer hearing-related QoL outcomes. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus distress negatively affects the hearing-related QoL outcomes of adult CI recipients. Tinnitus distress and age at implantation were found to be significant predictors of hearing-related QoL when controlling for other predictive factors.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of tinnitus distress on the hearing-related quality of life (QoL) outcomes over time in adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. DESIGN: A retrospective, longitudinal study of adult CI recipients was conducted. Hearing-related QoL and tinnitus distress were assessed using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) preoperatively and at 6-months, 12-months and >24-month postoperatively. The association between tinnitus distress and hearing-related QoL outcomes over time was investigated. Furthermore, 13 potential predictive factors were identified from the retrospective dataset. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables that influence hearing-related QoL outcomes over time. STUDY SAMPLE: The study sample included 210 adult (≥18 years) CI recipients implanted between 2001 and 2017. RESULTS: Lower tinnitus distress and younger age at implantation were significant predictors of better hearing-related QoL in adult CI recipients. A significant reduction in tinnitus distress up to two years post-implantation was found, as well as greater tinnitus distress correlating with poorer hearing-related QoL outcomes. CONCLUSION:Tinnitus distress negatively affects the hearing-related QoL outcomes of adult CI recipients. Tinnitus distress and age at implantation were found to be significant predictors of hearing-related QoL when controlling for other predictive factors.
Authors: Kelly K S Assouly; Adriana L Smit; Robert H Eikelboom; Cathy Sucher; Marcus Atlas; Robert J Stokroos; Inge Stegeman Journal: Trends Hear Date: 2022 Jan-Dec Impact factor: 3.496