Chinese Neurosurgical Journal (Apr 2024)

Predictive factors of tinnitus after vestibular schwannoma surgery: a case-control study

  • Na You,
  • Jiashu Zhang,
  • Ding Zhang,
  • Yue Zhao,
  • Jun Zhang,
  • Bainan Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41016-024-00363-6
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background Tinnitus is very common in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). We analyzed the related factors of tinnitus after surgery. Methods One hundred seventy-three patients diagnosed with unilateral VS operated via the retrosigmoid approach were included in the study. All patients underwent relevant examinations and completed the THI scale before surgery and 6 months after surgery. The prognosis of tinnitus was evaluated according to the changes in THI. Results Of the 129 preoperative tinnitus patients, postoperative tinnitus resolved in 12.4%, improved in 29.5%, remained unchanged in 28.6%, and worsened in 29.5%. 18.2% of 44 patients without preoperative tinnitus appeared new-onset tinnitus postoperatively. Thirty-six patients never had tinnitus. Patients with smaller tumor sizes (≤ 3 cm) were more likely to experience preoperative tinnitus. Younger patients and those with serviceable hearing preoperatively were more likely to report their tinnitus unchanged or worsened. A new onset of postoperative tinnitus in the preoperative non-tinnitus group was found in better preoperative hearing function. Conclusions In this study, 70% of patients had persistent tinnitus after vestibular schwannoma resection. The prognosis of tinnitus was influenced by age and preoperative hearing function. Tinnitus is a bothersome symptom and is often underestimated by doctors. Assessment of tinnitus is mandatory during the management of vestibular schwannoma.

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