Tinnitus and acoustic neuromas: analysis of the effect of surgical excision on postoperative tinnitus.

In this retrospective review of the 160 acoustic neuroma cases treated at The University of Iowa between 1980 and 1991, follow-up information was obtained for 82% by telephone interview. Postoperative tinnitus was a symptom reported by 75% of the acoustic neuroma patients. Overall, among patients with tinnitus preoperatively, the condition postoperatively was absent in 45%, lessened in 17%, unchanged in 30%, and greater in 8%. Detailed results are compared to other series and significant differences in the depth of comparison described.