Tinnitus following treatment for sporadic Acoustic neuroma

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the impact of treatment modality, tumor size, time from therapy, and demographic features on tinnitus distress, as measured by the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) in patients treated for sporadic acoustic neuroma.

Study design: Cross-sectional observation study.

Methods: A Web-based 44-question online survey was made available on the Acoustic Neuroma Association Web site for 3 months. Of 154 unique surveys that were completed in entirety, further screening netted 143 study participants. Questions included the TFI, treatment modality, tumor size, time from therapy, demographic features, and hearing status of both ears.

Results: Tinnitus distress following treatment for acoustic neuroma is independent of treatment type, tumor size, tumor laterality, time after treatment, age, and gender. Tinnitus Functional Index scores closely mirror severity profile of the study population as reported in the pivotal TFI instrument validation study by Meikle et al.(17) Tinnitus is "not a problem" in 20% of respondents, a "small problem" in 20%, a "moderate problem" in 11%, a "big problem" in 22%, and a "very big problem" in 27%. Subscale analysis suggests that acoustic tumor patients struggle most with tinnitus intrusiveness and loss of control.

Conclusions: Whereas tinnitus is a common symptom in acoustic neuroma patients in both the pre- and posttreatment settings, clinicians can provide counsel that choice of treatment modality, tumor size, age, and gender have little to no bearing on severity of posttreatment tinnitus distress. Tinnitus severity does not differ among the treatment choices of open microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, external beam radiation, and observation.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 126:1639-1643, 2016.