Cochlear implantation in vestibular schwannoma: A game changer? A narrative review

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q2 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Pub Date : 2025-02-05 DOI:10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101563

Luis Lassaletta , Miryam Calvino , Isabel Sánchez-Cuadrado , José Manuel Morales-Puebla , Javier Gavilán

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

In recent years, indications for Cochlear Implants (CIs) have been on the rise, with Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) patients among these emerging indications. On the other hand, there is growing evidence in favor of the 'wait and see' approach as opposed to surgery or irradiation for most small VS. The aim of this paper is to discuss the current role of CIs in patients with VS, addressing the most controversial topics such as the variability of outcomes, the emerging clinical scenarios, the lack of consistent prognostic factors, and the need for an intraoperative tool to aid decision-making in challenging cases.

Methods

A Pubmed search was performed, with a selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English on VS and cochlear implantation were eligible for inclusion. Pictures of illustrative cases from a tertiary center were included.

Results

The discussed topics were the following: (1) Variability in audiological outcomes; (2) Prognostic factors including tumor size, preoperative hearing, previous irradiation, extent of resection, and Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) status; (3) Postoperative imaging; (4) The role of intraoperative testing; and (5) The current indication of CIs in different clinical scenarios.

Conclusions

CIs have become a useful solution for certain patients with VS. Audiological outcomes are variable, but worse than those of conventional CI candidates. Small and medium-sized tumors and those with a better preoperative hearing are more likely to benefit from a CI. The effect of irradiation is uncertain. Outcomes in NF2 patients may decrease in the long term. The auditory nerve test system is a useful intraoperative tool in most scenarios. The variability of the outcomes still precludes routine CI in VS with normal contralateral hearing. In addition to VS undergoing surgical resection and CI placement, some observed and irradiated VS cases also benefit from a CI.

Level of evidence

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来源期刊

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY-

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

205

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology publishes original contributions in otolaryngology and the associated areas (cranio-maxillo-facial surgery and phoniatrics). The aim of this journal is the national and international divulgation of the scientific production interesting to the otolaryngology, as well as the discussion, in editorials, of subjects of scientific, academic and professional relevance. The Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology is born from the Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia, of which it is the English version, created and indexed by MEDLINE in 2005. It is the official scientific publication of the Brazilian Association of Otolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery. Its abbreviated title is Braz J Otorhinolaryngol., which should be used in bibliographies, footnotes and bibliographical references and strips.